Diamond merchant attacked

MUMBAI: A 45-year-old diamond merchant was shot at outside his residence on Saturday morning. The unidentified assailant managed to escape, police said. Senior inspector Rajan Katdare of DB Marg police said Dheeru Bhai, a resident of JSS Road, owns a diamond shop, Dumasia, which is adjacent to his home.
Dheeru Bhai also exports diamonds to foreign countries.On Saturday, around9.30 am when the victim was coming down the stairs an unidentified person appeared from behind and opened fire. The bullet hit Dheeru Bhai's right thigh.
Hearing him scream for help, residents of the building came to his rescue. Dheeru Bhai was rushed to Harkisondas Hospital where his condition is stated to be stable. "The preliminary reports show that a countrymade revolver was used to attack the diamond merchant.
We are gathering information on those we suspect," Katdare said. He added that Dheeru Bhai was also receiving calls from extortionists.
"He had been receiving threats from unknown extortionists. When we came to know about the calls, we provided him police protection. However, one-and-a-half months ago, Dheeru Bhai gave it to us in writing that he didn't want police protection saying his life was not in danger," Katdare added.
The police are exploring all angles, including the involvement of the underworld. Police sources said there was a business dispute between Dheeru Bhai and a few other diamond merchants.