Ashoknagar Robbery: Thieves Throw Chilli Powder in Farmer’s Eyes, Flee with ₹25 Lakh
A violent and shocking robbery in Ashoknagar district, Madhya Pradesh, has left a local farmer injured and robbed of ₹25 lakh after assailants used chilli powder to blind him during a daylight attack. The incident has alarmed the rural community and triggered an intensive police manhunt.
The Attack: A Pretext Turns Violent
On December 30, 2025, farmer Lakhvinder (47) was traveling by motorcycle from Tamoia Chakk village to Ashoknagar town. He was carrying ₹25 lakh in cash—₹24 lakh borrowed from a relative for repayment and ₹1 lakh for another creditor—packed in two bags on his bike.
Near the route linking Tamoia Chakk and Mohri, three men stopped him, pretending to ask for directions to a field. In a sudden, violent move, one attacker threw chilli powder directly into Lakhvinder’s eyes, causing severe pain and temporary blindness. As he reeled in agony, another assailant grabbed the cash bags, and all three fled on foot.
Aftermath and Police Investigation
Blinded and in distress, Lakhvinder shouted for help on the deserted road. A passerby eventually alerted his family, who rushed him to Ashoknagar District Hospital for treatment of severe eye inflammation.
Police from Kotwali and Dehat stations quickly arrived, collecting evidence including traces of chilli powder mixed with water at the scene. They have registered a case and launched a search for the three suspects, reviewing local CCTV footage and combing nearby villages.
Community Fear and a Pattern of Crime
The brazen daylight robbery has sparked fear among Ashoknagar residents, where farmers and traders often transport large cash sums for loans and business. Locals have expressed concern over rural security, citing the isolation of farm roads.
This incident follows a similar robbery earlier in December, where a grain trader was robbed of ₹20 lakh in the same district. The pattern highlights rising cash-centric crimes in the region and calls for improved policing and safer cash-transport mechanisms.
Police Appeal and Safety Advice
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. They also advise villagers to avoid carrying large cash amounts on isolated routes and to seek police escort for high-value transactions when possible.
Also Read: Deadly Accident in Uttarakhand: Almora Bus Plunge Leaves 7 Dead, Many Hurt
Conclusion: An Unsettling Crime
The chilli powder robbery represents a disturbing escalation in rural crime tactics, targeting vulnerable individuals. As the investigation continues, the incident underscores urgent needs for enhanced rural patrols and community awareness to prevent such violent thefts in Madhya Pradesh.
