Muzaffarpur: A bandh call given by Muzaffarpur Sangharsh Morcha and Sharaffa Sangh to protest the murder of Rohit Kumar on January 10 evoked wide response on Monday.

All big and small business establishments, including the textile hub in Sutapatti, jewellery shops in Sonarpatti, Purani Bazaar, Nayi Bazaar and Saraiyaganj, remained closed for the larger part of the day. Normal life was affected as autorickshaws and vehicles remained off the roads.

Sangharsh Morcha activists took out processions in groups and raising slogans against police failure to contain crime. Morcha men also forced shopkeepers at Station Road, Sadar Hospital Road and Deewan Road to down the shutters. At a few places, they got into altercation with vendors. However, timely intervention by residents saved the situation. Morcha activists covered all thoroughfares and reached Makkhan Shah Chowk outside the jewellery shop owned by the deceased Rohit Kumar.

They squatted on the stairs of the closed shop, protesting against the worsening crime situation in the town. Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Vivek Kumar rushed to Makkhan Shah Chowk, where hundreds of traders assembled. The SSP appealed them to avoid agitation and maintain peace.

The SSP said two accomplices of the shooters involved in Rohit Kumar's murder have been arrested with firearms. He added that the police had collected clues of business rivalry, which is the suspected reason behind the murder.

Police are hunting for an unnamed jewel trader and Manoj Sahni and two others for plotting the murder.

"We are inching close to nab the culprits shortly," said the SSP.