Bandit shoots auto-dealer, snatches $3M

An auto dealer was shot in his foot yesterday morning and then robbed of $3 million in cash he had earlier withdrawn from a bank in the city.

Intiaz Arakhan, 23, of Eccles, East Bank Demerara, was shot in his right foot by the bandit while he was eating on Water Street, in front of Demerara Shipping Company Limited. He was subsequently treated at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where he underwent surgery. His condition was stable afterward.

The attack occurred at about 10:15am, according to a police statement, which said the bandit shot Arakhan and proceeded to snatch a haversack with $2.5M and escaped on a motorcycle.

When Stabroek News visited Arakhan at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where he had just undergone surgery, he said his bag contained $3M.

He said he had just came from Scotiabank and was eating in front of Demerara Shipping when someone tapped him at the back of his shoulder and proceeded to shoot him in his foot. He said the shooter then snatched his bag.

Arakhan said the shooting happened in the blink of an eye and everyone nearby was shocked by the daylight robbery.

Arakhan said he was carried to the hospital by persons in the area and he was thankful that the robbery was not fatal.