Patna, July 3: A medicine dealer’s murder at Belsand in Sitamarhi sparked protests by members of the trade and commerce community today.

They expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the district. Ram Naresh Sah (45), a resident of Parari village, was shot dead by six motorcycle-borne assailants when he was standing in front of his medicine shop at Basaul Chowk under the jurisdiction of Belsand police station, around 125km north of Patna, on Wednesday evening.

The assailants, however, escaped unhurt after spraying bullets at Sah. The shopkeepers downed their shutters and blocked the traffic on Thursday demanding arrest of the killers, who were said to be six in number. The protesters burnt tyres and indulged in vandalism.

Belsand deputy superintendent of police Dwarika Prasad said the identity of the criminals involved in the murder was yet to be ascertained. “Raids have been conducted to arrest the killers. The reason behind the incident could not be immediately known,” he added.

The businessmen alleged that the criminals were on the prowl.

“The members of the trading community are at the receiving end. Incidents of extortion, loot and dacoity, have become the order of the day,” said Ramesh Sah, who runs a jewellery shop.

Sitamarhi superintendent of police Nawal Kishore Singh, who assumed charge last week, said he would leave no stone unturned to ensure safety to the people and members of the business community.