In a shocking incident late on Saturday night, Vijay Kumar Nag, a 47-year-old restaurant owner in Ranchi, Jharkhand, was fatally shot by a customer who alleged that the vegetarian biryani he ordered contained non-vegetarian ingredients.
The dispute began when the customer took the biryani home, only to find it was chicken biryani. Following a heated phone argument, the customer returned to the eatery in Hindpiri with three associates.
During a scuffle, he pulled out a firearm and shot Nag twice in the chest. Despite being rushed to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Nag was declared dead on arrival. The accused fled but was later confronted by police in a dramatic encounter.
Police Pursuit and Arrests
Authorities acted swiftly after the murder, launching a manhunt to apprehend the suspects. Abhishek Singh, identified as the key accused, sustained gunshot wounds to both legs during an exchange of fire with police near the ITBP camp in the Kanke area and is currently receiving treatment.
Two others, including Harendra Singh, a suspended policeman who allegedly supplied the weapon, were also arrested. In total, three accused have been taken into custody, while police continue to search for a fourth suspect believed to be involved.
Superintendent of Police Praveen Pushkar confirmed that several firearms and unauthorised cash were recovered during the raids. The police are examining CCTV footage and interrogating suspects to uncover further details and any additional motives.
Community Outrage and Underlying Issues
The violent killing has sparked protests from local residents and the business community, highlighting fears about growing lawlessness. Locals blocked a key road demanding swift arrests and justice for Nag. MLA Suresh Kumar Baitha expressed surprise that a life could be taken over a food dispute and suggested that the case might have deeper roots, including possible property-related conflicts involving the victim.
The Federation of Jharkhand Chambers of Commerce and Industries has voiced concerns about the impact of deteriorating law and order on traders and urged authorities to restore safety and normalcy. Police have appealed for public restraint, warning against misinformation and emphasising that investigations, including testing of the biryani samples, are ongoing.
The ongoing investigation highlights not only the immediate trigger but also possible underlying tensions. Police are probing other angles, including property-related disputes that may have exacerbated the conflict. The administration has promised strict action and assured locals of enhanced security measures in commercial areas to prevent such tragedies. The community’s demand for peace and fairness remains resolute.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragic episode is a sobering reflection of how escalation and intolerance can lead to irreversible consequences.
The Logical Indian calls for calm, empathy, and dialogue as foundational to resolving conflicts, emphasizing that no grievance warrants violence. In a diverse and pluralistic society, the peaceful resolution of misunderstandings is critical not only for individual safety but also for communal harmony.
दिनांक-18.10.25 को रात्रि समय करीब 11:20 बजे सूचना प्राप्त हुई कि कांके रोड स्थित सेफ चौपाटी रेस्टोरेंट के मालिक विजय कुमार नाग को तीन अपराधियों द्वारा उनके रेस्टोरेंट में गोली मारकर हत्या कर दिया गया है जिस संबंध में वादी उत्कर्ष राज के लिखित आवेदन के आधार पर कांके थाना में… pic.twitter.com/Z2zz9b8Xe5
— Ranchi Police (@ranchipolice) October 20, 2025
