The injured trader Nazibar Rahman, 30, was undergoing treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH).

Local traders caught a youth red-handed from the spot when he along with his gang was trying to snatch Tk 4 lakh cash from the trader, police sources said.

Sources said Nazibar was returning home at around 10:30pm from RDA market. He was reportedly carrying Tk four lakh cash when a group of muggers boarding on a motorbike waylaid him at a lane of Shaheb Bazar and tried to take away his bag.

After a scuffle, the muggers opened fire on the head of Nazibar and tried to leave the spot with bag full of money. The locals however caught one and were able to recover the money, police sources said.

Members of Rab and Boalia police rushed to the spot and arrested Selim, who is a notorious mugger of the area, locals said.

RDA market traders demanded deployment of additional police forces and ensure security during their trading hours.

The condition of the trader is still critical, the RMCH sources said.