Patna: BJP candidate Ramkripal Yadav from Patna’s Pataliputra Lok Sabha seat narrowly escaped an attack on Saturday. While returning from Masaurhi, unidentified assailants opened fire on him. Although Yadav was unharmed, a supporter travelling with him sustained injuries. Police have launched an investigation.
Yadav recounted that he had received reports of a woman MLA allegedly entering a polling booth illegally. After inspecting the site, he was heading to meet supporters in Tineri village when the attack occurred. “Suddenly, 20 to 25 people surrounded me and attacked on the outskirts of Pinjari village,” he said. The attackers used bricks, stones, and firearms. A village supporter attempting to protect Yadav was assaulted with a gun butt. Yadav added that he did not recognize the assailants and reported that two of his workers had been attacked that day.
Masaurhi SDM Amit Kumar Patel confirmed that Yadav had visited Tineri village with supporters and was ambushed on his way back. The injured individuals were taken to a nursing home for treatment. The police are investigating the incident.
Patna East SP Bharat Soni stated, “There was information about an attack on Ramkripal Yadav’s convoy near Tineri village on the Patna-Jehanabad road. Workers were injured. An application has been filed by Ramkripal Yadav, and the police are investigating. We will share any emerging facts and take strict action against the perpetrators.”
SSP Rajiv Mishra noted that the attack occurred after voting had concluded peacefully at 6 pm, with EVMs safely transported. “An FIR has been lodged based on Yadav’s application, mentioning nine suspects. The incident happened after 7:30 pm,” Mishra said.
Ramkripal Yadav’s personal assistant, Randhir Kumar, explained that the MP was traveling from Tineri village to Jamalpur village when youths armed with weapons intercepted his car near Gopalpur Math and fired four rounds. Stones were also thrown at supporters on bikes following the car. Two youths were injured. Yadav has since reached his home safely in Gauriya Math, Patna. A formal complaint has been lodged at Masaurhi police station.
