Patna: Police investigating the murder of gangster Chandan Mishra have uncovered the roles of seven suspects in the high-profile case, following a series of arrests and interrogations. Mishra was shot dead in Room 209 of Patna’s Paras Hospital on July 17. The brazen killing sparked an intense police crackdown that has so far led to the arrest of four suspects and the deaths of two others in a police encounter in Bhojpur district.
According to investigators, the murder was orchestrated by Tausif Raza alias ‘Badshah’, who led the operation on the ground. The plan was allegedly hatched at the home of his cousin, Nishu, in Patna’s Samanpura area. The killing was reportedly contracted by Balwant Singh, a jail acquaintance of Tausif, who acted on instructions from Sheru Singh, a gangster currently lodged in Purulia jail. Balwant allegedly paid Tausif Rs 5 lakh and supplied 10 pistols for the job.
Ravi Ranjan, identified as one of the shooters, and Abhishek, who drove the getaway bike, were also key figures in the attack. Another suspect, Harsh, is said to have helped the assailants escape from Patna, while Bhim facilitated their travel to Kolkata prior to the incident.
Footage from the hospital’s CCTV system has been instrumental in piecing together the timeline. Balwant Singh, seen in a white shirt and cap, was captured on video leaving the hospital with Ravi Ranjan and Abhishek on a single motorcycle. Balwant, seated in the middle, was reportedly seen celebrating as they fled the scene.
The police believe the group came prepared for a potential encounter with authorities, carrying at least 10 firearms. Ravi Ranjan and Balwant opened fire inside the hospital while Abhishek waited outside.
In a related development, two of the suspects were injured in a police encounter in Bhojpur district on Tuesday, prompting heavy police deployment at Ara’s Sadar Hospital. The situation caused widespread commotion from Bihiya’s Kateya Road to the hospital premises. STF personnel, along with local officers including Jagdishpur SDPO Rajesh Kumar Sharma and Bihiya SHO Aditya Kumar, maintained security during treatment.
As of now, Tausif Raza, Nishu, Balwant Singh, and Ravi Ranjan are in custody. Monu Singh, another suspected shooter from Ara, remains at large. Police have applied to the court for attachment of his property. Three accomplices—Harsh, Bhim, and Abhishek—have also been apprehended. Authorities continue their search for four more individuals connected to the case.
