Patna: A land dealer and independent political aspirant, Rajkumar Rai alias Ala Rai, was shot dead late Wednesday night in Patna. The 45-year-old resident of Raghopur Meerampur in Vaishali was ambushed by two masked shooters near Munnachak Road No. 17, close to Rajendra Nagar Terminal, around 10.30 pm.
According to police, Rai was returning from his village in a car when he stopped near his Munnachak residence. While the driver was parking, Rai stepped out to buy masala from a nearby shop. Two assailants, who had reportedly been waiting for over an hour, opened fire. The first shot struck the fridge of the shop, shattering its glass. As Rai tried to flee into a nearby lane, one bullet hit his back. The shooters chased him and fired at least six more rounds before he collapsed.
Locals rushed him to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), where doctors declared him dead. The shooters fled the scene on foot before escaping on a bike parked at a distance.
Political and Land Dispute Links Under Scanner
Police sources revealed that Rai, a former RJD member, had resigned from the party and was preparing to contest the upcoming Raghopur Assembly elections as an independent candidate. He was also active in the land business, particularly in dealing with disputed plots in Patna. Villagers claimed he had taken loans from several people, which may have intensified enmity.
Investigators suspect that land disputes and financial dealings are the primary motives behind the murder, though a family angle is also being probed.
SIT Formed, Three Detained
Following the killing, senior police officials reached the spot, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to track down the shooters. CCTV footage from the shop and surrounding areas is being examined, with the DVR already seized.
Preliminary findings suggest the shooters were hired contract killers.
Public Reaction
News of Rai’s murder sparked shock in his native village, with hundreds of people gathering at both PMCH and his Munnachak residence. His death has also created ripples in the local political circle ahead of the Assembly polls.
Rai is survived by his wife and two daughters.
