Bagha: A crowded market in Bihar’s Bagaha district turned into a scene of panic and bloodshed on Monday evening when notorious criminal Sanjeev Kumar Mishra, also known as Putto Mishra, was shot dead in broad daylight by unidentified attackers. The shocking murder took place at Phulkaul Chowk under the Ramnagar police station area, where Mishra had reportedly gone to settle a land dispute. According to police and local witnesses, the attackers had been waiting for him and opened fire the moment they got the chance. One bullet hit him directly in the head, killing him on the spot.
The incident happened during peak market hours when shops were open, people were buying goods, and many were sitting at nearby tea stalls. Suddenly, three men arrived on motorcycles and started firing at Mishra. Witnesses said around three rounds were fired in quick succession. As soon as the gunshots were heard, people began screaming and running in all directions to save their lives. The attackers fled the scene immediately after the shooting, openly carrying their weapons and spreading fear among the crowd.
According to reports, Putto Mishra was talking to some people regarding a land-related matter when the assailants attacked him. Police believe the murder was carefully planned. The attackers were reportedly keeping an eye on his movements and had full information about his arrival at the location. Since the bullets were fired from close range, Mishra suffered critical injuries instantly. One bullet struck his head, causing him to collapse in a pool of blood. For a few moments, no one dared to go near him because of fear. Later, local residents took him to Ramnagar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
After the incident, police reached the spot and took control of the area. Mishra’s body was sent to Bagaha Sub-Divisional Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Officers also recovered empty bullet shells from the crime scene, which may help identify the weapon used in the murder. Police have started questioning eyewitnesses and nearby shopkeepers. Two people have already been taken into custody for interrogation.
Putto Mishra, a resident of Sonvarsha village in the Matiyariya police station area, was known as a feared and influential criminal in the region. He had reportedly been involved in many serious criminal cases, including murder, extortion, threats and illegal land dealings. Police officials said he had been arrested several times in the past and had spent long periods in jail. He was also named as an accused in the murder case of Congress leader Fakhruddin Khan, which had made headlines earlier.
Police are now investigating the murder from every possible angle. Officials suspect the killing may have been linked to a land dispute, old personal rivalry, extortion business, or an ongoing gang war. Local residents believe this was not an ordinary murder but part of a larger criminal conflict in the area. In-charge SP Nirmala Kumari said the police are working quickly to solve the case and identify all those involved.
The murder has created tension in Ramnagar and nearby areas. Security has been increased, and extra police forces have been deployed to prevent any further violence. Fear remains among local residents, as the brutal killing in such a crowded public place has raised serious questions about law and order in the region. Police say they hope to crack the case soon and restore a sense of safety among the public.
