Siwan/Patna: A four-year-old boy is in critical condition after being shot during what police say was an illegal attempt to hunt a nilgai near his home in Siwan district on Tuesday.
The incident took place in the Siswa police station area, where a group of men, allegedly armed with rifles were attempting to shoot the antelope-like animal. According to the child’s family, the hunters opened fire without permission, and a bullet struck the boy in the abdomen as he played outside his house.
The child was rushed to a local health centre before being transferred to the district hospital. Doctors later referred him to Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) due to the severity of his injuries. His condition has been described as “critical.”
The boy’s mother told local reporters that she had objected to the men firing near homes, but they continued regardless. She claims she briefly caught hold of one suspect before he escaped with the help of others.
“We protested but they did not listen. A moment later my son was screaming. He was on the ground, bleeding,” she said.
Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident. Station House Officer Ashok Kumar said that a search is underway to identify and arrest the suspects, who fled the scene. “Raids are being conducted, and strict action will be taken,” he said.
Residents say the shooting has sparked fear and anger in the village. Locals have demanded compensation for the family, action against illegal firearms, and stronger enforcement against unauthorised hunting, which is banned under wildlife protection laws.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of illicit gun use in rural Bihar and rising reports of wildlife hunting in agricultural areas, where nilgai — locally known as ghorparas — are sometimes targeted due to crop damage.
