Bihar: Journalist Stabbed to Death in Muzaffarpur; Investigation Underway

Muzaffarpur: In a shocking incident, journalist Shiv Shankar Jha was stabbed to death in Muzaffarpur on Tuesday night. His blood-soaked body was discovered on the roadside at Pakar Chowk in Madipur village, within the Maniyari police station area.

Local residents informed the police about the incident. Upon arriving at the scene, the Maniyari police rushed Jha to SKMCH, where doctors declared him dead. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation.

It has been reported that Jha had been involved in a dispute with the liquor mafia and had received death threats three days prior to the incident. Uma Shankar Jha, the elder brother of the deceased, confirmed this, stating, “Recently, there was a dispute with some people who had threatened to kill him.”

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha assured strict action against the perpetrators. “No criminal will be spared. Strict action will be taken,” he declared.

The police have launched a thorough investigation. Inspector of Maniyari police station stated, “Our team was patrolling when we received information about a stabbing. Upon reaching the spot, we found the victim still breathing and immediately took him to SKMCH, where he was pronounced dead. The motive behind the incident is still unclear.”

East DSP-2 Animesh Chandra Gyani said, “We are investigating all aspects of the murder. The criminals involved will be arrested soon. Possible motives include financial disputes, professional enmities due to his journalism, and threats from the liquor mafia.”

Minister Kedar Gupta, a friend of Shiv Shankar Jha, expressed his shock and condemned the incident. “I was shocked to receive information about the incident. I will meet Muzaffarpur SSP and demand a thorough investigation. The culprits must face the harshest punishment,” Gupta said.

Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav criticized the government, stating on social media, “Government-protected criminals brutally murdered a journalist in Muzaffarpur. According to the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and NDA leaders, this is the definition of Mangalraj in Bihar.”

Responding to Yadav’s comments, Minister Kedar Gupta pointed out the improvements in law enforcement since 2005. “Back then, common people couldn’t leave their homes safely. Today, if a crime happens, the criminals are caught. Earlier, everything was managed,” he said, pledging to meet the victim’s family.

Uma Shankar Jha recounted the recent threats his brother faced. “Some people from the village came to our house intending to beat us up but refrained upon seeing the women and children. Before leaving, they threatened to kill my brother,” he said. “Shiv Shankar had been practicing journalism for about 20 years. He often had disputes due to his work, and this might have led to his murder.”