Patna: BJP leader Shyam Sundar Sharma, also known as Munna Sharma, was shot dead early this morning in Patna City. The incident occurred around 4 am near Ramdev Mahato Community Hall, close to Mangal Talab, where Sharma had gone to catch an autorickshaw. Criminals attempted to snatch his gold chain, and when he resisted, they shot him.
Shyam Sundar Sharma, who served as the Nagar Mandal President of Patna City Chowk, had been returning after dropping off relatives following his son’s wedding, which was held on Sunday. On his way back, he was surrounded by criminals who demanded his gold chain. When Sharma protested, one of the attackers shot him in the head, while another assailant struck him with a sharp weapon, leaving him severely injured.
Morning walkers discovered the BJP leader and rushed him to Nalanda Medical College Hospital in Patna, where he was pronounced dead. Local residents informed Chowk police station, but frustration grew when the police reportedly arrived at the spot three hours later. The delay in the police response has angered locals.
Chowk police station in-charge Shashi Kumar Rana confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation is underway. The police are utilizing forensic teams and a dog squad in the probe. “A case of murder involving the use of a sharp weapon has emerged. Munna Sharma was a BJP worker,” Rana said.
This incident has added to growing concerns about the rising crime rate in Patna. Over the past six months, incidents of snatching, robbery, and murder have surged, with many attributing the crime wave to recently released criminals resuming illegal activities. Questions are also being raised about the effectiveness of police patrolling in the area.
According to police data from January to June 2024, Patna district witnessed 172 murders, 108 robberies, 23 dacoities, 489 thefts in closed houses, and 2,936 vehicle thefts. Most of these incidents occurred in the area of SP East, which reported 61 murders, 12 robberies, and 36 dacoities. SP East also recorded the highest number of vehicle thefts, with 1,392 cases in six months.
The police have managed to solve 75% of murder, robbery, and dacoity cases and have cleared 32% of vehicle theft and 18% of house theft cases. Despite these efforts, the rising incidents have alarmed the public, particularly in areas like Alamganj, Agamkuan, and Phulwarisharif, which are prone to violent crime and disputes, especially over land issues.
