Ara/Patna: A 45-year-old man was shot dead in broad daylight in Bihar’s Bhojpur district on Saturday, triggering panic in the area and raising concerns over law and order.
The incident took place near Bankat village under the jurisdiction of Garhani police station. The deceased, identified as Ritesh Singh, also known as Bhuar Singh, was the son of a former Mukhiya.
According to police and family members, Singh was returning home after dropping his wife, a teacher at Bankat Primary School, when he was attacked near a canal. A group of around six armed assailants, reportedly lying in wait and arriving on three motorcycles, opened fire on him.
Officials said the attackers fired multiple rounds, hitting Singh with at least five bullets. He died on the spot, while the assailants fled the scene.
The victim’s brother, Bablu Singh, alleged that there had been a long-standing dispute with certain individuals in the village and that Ritesh had been receiving threats. He claimed that the administration had been informed earlier but no security was provided.
Police said an investigation is underway. Ara Sadar SDPO Rajkumar Shah said that, prima facie, the incident appears to be linked to a personal dispute. He added that suspects have been identified based on family statements and raids are being conducted to apprehend them.
A forensic team has been called to examine the scene and collect evidence as part of the investigation.
The killing has led to heightened tension in the area, with local residents expressing anger while the victim’s family remains in shock.
