Patna: An Excise Department team was attacked while returning from an anti-liquor operation in Patna’s Paliganj subdivision on Tuesday evening, after unidentified assailants allegedly opened fire on the official vehicle carrying five arrested individuals.
A bullet pierced the Scorpio vehicle near Akhtiyarpur Bridge, shattering the glass of the right-side door before exiting through the left-side window. No injuries were reported, and all occupants, including Excise personnel and the detainees, escaped safely.
Attack During Return From Anti-Liquor Raid
According to Excise Officer Vaidyanath Yadav, the department had deployed three vehicles for raids in Maharajganj Musahari as part of its anti-liquor enforcement drive.
The team apprehended five people for allegedly consuming alcohol and was transporting them to the Paliganj Excise Police Station when the attack took place near Akhtiyarpur Bridge.
Officials said the assailants appeared to have been waiting along the route before targeting the vehicle.
Vehicle Damaged, Personnel Escape Unhurt
The bullet passed through both side windows of the Scorpio. Home Guard personnel Prince Kumar Mishra, who was inside the vehicle, narrowly escaped injury.
Officials said the driver’s quick response helped prevent a more serious incident. The arrested individuals and other members of the Excise team were also unharmed.
Investigation Into Motive Underway
Excise Superintendent Abhay Kumar Mishra said the department launched an inquiry immediately after receiving information about the incident.
He said investigators are examining whether the attack was carried out by people linked to the illegal liquor trade or whether another motive was involved. He added that investigators are also verifying whether the damage was caused by gunfire or another object, such as stones or bricks.
Police Collecting Evidence
Paliganj Station House Officer Santosh Kumar Singh said local police reached the spot soon after the incident and began collecting evidence while questioning residents in the area.
Police said an FIR will be registered after receiving a formal complaint from the Excise Department. Raids have also been intensified to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The incident has raised security concerns for enforcement teams engaged in anti-liquor operations in the region.
