Nalanda/Patna : The investigation into the death of Bihar excise constable Ajit Kumar has taken a major turn after Nalanda Police said he was allegedly killed by a bullet fired from a Home Guard jawan’s rifle during a liquor raid, rather than by suspected liquor smugglers as initially reported.
Nalanda Superintendent of Police Hriday Kant said five people, including woman Sub-Inspector Pushpa, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Police are also investigating the alleged concealment of evidence, delays in reporting the death and attempts to mislead senior officers.
The incident took place at around 10.30 pm on October 14 in the Pawapuri police station area of Nalanda district.
How the Constable Was Killed
According to the SP, a team from the Excise Intelligence Bureau (EIB), which had arrived from Patna, was pursuing a pickup vehicle allegedly carrying liquor. The team was travelling in a private black Scorpio and sought assistance from Sub-Inspector Pushpa’s team, based in Rajgir, to intercept the pickup.
During the chase and attempted interception, the vehicles changed positions. The liquor-laden pickup moved ahead, while the EIB Scorpio followed behind. Pushpa’s team was travelling at the rear.
Police said firing took place during this sequence. While the initial account blamed suspected liquor smugglers and their alleged associates, the investigation later pointed to a member of the team assisting the raid.
According to the SP, a Home Guard jawan allegedly fired three rounds. Two reportedly misfired, while the third bullet passed through the rear windshield of the Scorpio and struck Ajit Kumar in the back of the head. The injury proved fatal.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances in which the weapon was fired and whether anyone instructed the jawan to shoot.
Why Was the Incident Not Reported Immediately?
Police have also raised questions about the actions taken after the shooting.
According to SP Hriday Kant, the incident occurred on the night of October 14, but the local police station was not informed immediately. Senior officers were reportedly informed the following morning.
After receiving information, the SP proceeded to the scene and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Rajgir Sub-Divisional Police Officer.
Investigators subsequently questioned members of the team. Police said inconsistencies in their statements prompted them to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Damaged Scorpio Taken to Patna
The movement of the Scorpio after the incident has emerged as another key part of the investigation.
According to the SP, the vehicle was taken to Patna instead of being immediately presented to the police. Investigators later seized it from Patna the following morning.
An inspection reportedly revealed a bullet-entry mark in the rear portion of the vehicle. Police said the finding was consistent with the account that a bullet had travelled through the rear windshield and struck the constable.
Investigators are examining whether the vehicle’s movement and the delay in reporting the incident were part of an attempt to conceal evidence.
Woman Sub-Inspector Among Five Arrested
Nalanda Police have arrested five people in connection with the case:
- Woman Sub-Inspector Pushpa
- Excise constable Anoop
- Two Home Guard personnel
- The driver of the private vehicle
The SP said one of the Home Guard personnel had a rifle and the other allegedly fired it. Police have seized the rifle and two cartridges that reportedly misfired. The search for three spent cartridge cases linked to the firing is continuing.
Police are also questioning other people and have indicated that further arrests may follow if the investigation establishes additional involvement.
Did the Team Follow Standard Operating Procedures?
Investigators are examining whether the team followed the prescribed standard operating procedures during the pursuit and attempted interception of the liquor-laden pickup.
Police are seeking to establish why firing took place, whether any instructions were issued and whether the use of a firearm was justified under the circumstances.
The whereabouts of the pickup carrying the suspected liquor also remain a focus of the investigation. Police are attempting to trace the vehicle and establish the full sequence of events.
SP Says Friendship Claims Remain Unverified
Questions have also surfaced about reports that Sub-Inspector Pushpa and the deceased constable knew each other personally.
Asked about the claims, SP Hriday Kant said the alleged prior acquaintance had not been confirmed. He said the investigation was ongoing and that it would be premature to draw conclusions at this stage.
Investigation Into Alleged Evidence Concealment Continues
The case has shifted significantly from the initial account that suspected liquor smugglers had shot the constable. Police now say the fatal bullet allegedly came from a rifle carried by a Home Guard jawan accompanying the operation.
The investigation is examining the delay in informing the local police station, the decision to take the damaged Scorpio to Patna, discrepancies in statements and the handling of the firearm.
Police have not yet concluded the investigation, and the precise role of each person involved remains under examination.
