According to traders, for the past few days, the two so-called sadhus have been roaming around the town. They reportedly walk into shops and demand goods of their choice from clothes and accessories to cash and in some cases, take items without permission. From two shops, the men allegedly picked up jeans and blankets despite the shopkeepers refusing.
Demanded Blankets and Cash at Cloth Store
Traders said the duo first went to Mahesh Cloth Stores near Makai Chowk, where they asked for a blanket. When the shopkeeper refused, they demanded ₹50. The trader offered them a ₹10 note and asked them to leave. One of the sadhus also attempted to hand something to the shopkeeper, but he ignored it.
Tried to Take Wallet and Watch From a Dry Cleaner
Later, the alleged sadhus visited a dry-cleaning shop in Gol Bazaar. CCTV shows one of them blessing the shopkeeper, maintaining eye contact, and then asking for his wallet, watch, and money. The shopkeeper, seemingly pressured, placed the items on the counter.
Trader Organisations Issue Alert
The incidents have left the Dhamtari business community shocked and concerned. After the matter reached trader associations, they issued WhatsApp alerts urging all shopkeepers to stay cautious. The CCTV videos are now being widely circulated on social media so that others can remain vigilant as well.
