Araria/Patna: In a shocking incident in Araria, Bihar, 25-year-old BPSC teacher Shivani Verma was shot dead on December 3 while on her way to school. Police investigations revealed that the murder was a result of mistaken identity. The killers, hired by Husn Ara of Forbesganj, had intended to eliminate her husband’s alleged girlfriend. Both teachers reportedly traveled on identical red scooters, and the assailants attacked Shivani by mistake.
Police have arrested two men, Mohammad Maruf and Mohammad Sohail, who confessed to the crime during questioning. The authorities also recovered the motorcycle used in the attack, a country-made pistol, and the clothing worn by the shooters. Husn Ara allegedly paid the men 3 lakh rupees to carry out the murder. Investigations are ongoing to trace all people involved, including a local political figure’s relative who may have links to the case.
Shivani’s family described her as a bright and ambitious teacher who was preparing for the UPSC exams. Her elder sister, Julie, said that a colleague named Ranjeet had been pursuing Shivani, but she had firmly refused him. The family suspects that Ranjeet may have influenced the murder plot due to her rejection. Concerns were also raised about the school principal, who reportedly tried to shield the colleague and prevent complaints from being filed.
Neighbours and landlords remembered Shivani as polite, quiet, and hardworking. She had recently moved closer to her school to manage her daily commute better and dedicated her time after school to studying. Her untimely death has left the local community in shock, and police continue to conduct raids to arrest any remaining conspirators connected to the murder.
