Patna: In a swift and dramatic crackdown, police in Bihar’s Saran district shot and arrested a notorious criminal linked to a brutal daylight killing that took place just steps away from Chapra police lines. The arrest came less than 24 hours after the murder, signalling what officials described as a “zero-tolerance stance against organised crime.”
According to police, Nandkishor Rai, better known as Shikari Rai, was intercepted in a joint operation by the Special Task Force (STF) and Saran police early on Monday morning. Rai, a long-wanted figure in cases of murder, extortion, kidnapping and armed robbery, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during an exchange of fire and is being treated at Chapra Sadar Hospital.
A chase, a hidden weapon — and sudden gunfire
Saran SSP Dr Kumar Ashish said the operation was triggered by a confidential tip-off that led officers to Bishanpur village in the Mufassil police station area. When questioned, Rai allegedly admitted to hiding the weapon used in Sunday’s killing in a nearby orchard.
But as the police escort began recovering the firearm, the events took a dangerous turn.
“He suddenly pulled out a pistol hidden in the bushes and opened indiscriminate fire at the police party,” the SSP said.
“In retaliatory firing done strictly in self-defence, Rai was shot in the leg. Our brave ASI Suman Kumar was also injured.”
Both injured men were rushed to hospital, where doctors said they are in stable condition.
The murder that shocked Chapra
The confrontation follows a brazen killing on Sunday afternoon, when motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly chased down Azad Singh and shot him dead in full public view — just metres from the Chapra police lines.
The proximity of the killing to a major police facility sent shockwaves through the city, prompting an immediate manhunt. CCTV footage and eyewitness testimonies led investigators to identify Rai as the prime suspect.
A long criminal trail
Police officials say Rai has over a dozen cases registered against him across Saran and neighbouring districts. His alleged involvement in Sunday’s murder, investigators say, was “central and deliberate”.
“Rai’s arrest has opened crucial leads. More suspects are on the radar and arrests will follow soon,” SSP Ashish added.
