Patna, Oct 2 (IANS): The residents of Bihar's capital on Saturday staged a massive protest in the Patna Sahib area of the city against the rising incidents of crime.

The protesters -- mostly traders and businessmen, took part in a march from Patna city chowk to Marufganj on Ashok Rajpath, and also burnt tyres on the roads.

They alleged that police inaction in the region has allowed the criminals to commit crime frequently.

A prominent industrialist Raju Jaiswal was stabbed to death in Patna Sahib area on September 30 while he was on the way to the factory.

As he reached the Chamdoria area, three unidentified assailants attacked him with sharp weapons and stabbed him several times.

In another incident in Patna city chowk area a day earlier, unidentified persons stole dry fruits worth Rs 6 lakh.

"The area around Patna city has been turning out to be a crime zone since the last six months. We are witnessing murder, rape, extortion, theft and loot cases in the area on daily basis. Such a situation is hinting about the RJD's tenure in late 1990s when extortion and murder was a daily affair," said Harish Sharma, a trader who took part in the protests.

Another trader Lakhpat Mehta said: "During late 1990s, a number of industrialists and traders had left the city due to the fear of criminals. A similar situation can be seen these days. The fourth tenure of Nitish Kumar is turning out to be a nightmare for traders and industrialists of Patna. People are frequently getting murdered in broad daylight."

"We demand full protection to Raju Jaiswal's family and a government job for one person of the family. We also want the state government to take strong action against the inefficient police officers who are unable to prevent the incidents of crime in the region," Rajesh Verma, another protester, said.