Gaya: A political storm has erupted in Bihar’s Gaya district after BJP leader Upendra Paswan’s son, Subab Kumar, was shot dead just a day before Diwali. Police have named Gaya Mayor Virendra Kumar alias Ganesh Paswan among the accused in what is being described as a contract killing, while the Mahagathbandhan has alleged a conspiracy to falsely implicate him ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections 2025.
According to reports, the incident occurred early in the morning in the Bairagi Murli Hill area under the Kotwali police station limits. Four unidentified assailants allegedly stopped Subab Kumar and opened fire, killing him on the spot. CCTV footage of the attack has surfaced, providing crucial leads for investigators.
BJP leader Upendra Paswan accused Mayor Ganesh Paswan of orchestrating the murder due to an old rivalry and alleged that a contract killing had been ordered. He also named several other individuals in his formal complaint.
Following the FIR, Mahagathbandhan leaders including Jehanabad MP Surendra Yadav, former MLA Awadhesh Singh, and Congress candidate Mohan Srivastava met Magadh Range IG Kshatraneel Singh, claiming that the mayor was being “deliberately framed” for political reasons. They urged the police to conduct a fair and transparent investigation, warning that “such false charges during elections undermine public trust.”
“The timing of this FIR shows an attempt to defame a prominent Grand Alliance figure,” the delegation said, adding that Mayor Ganesh Paswan’s growing influence in local politics had made him a target.
Meanwhile, Gaya SSP Anand Kumar announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder. “The SIT has been tasked with analysing CCTV footage, interrogating suspects, and identifying the culprits. Arrests will be made soon,” he said.
The killing has further polarised the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan in the state, with both camps trading accusations. The BJP has demanded swift justice for the victim, while opposition leaders allege that the incident is being politicised to influence the electoral mood in Gaya.
