Patna: Bihar is witnessing an alarming surge in contract killings, with a series of high-profile murders across the state pointing to a growing reliance on hired shooters to settle personal and financial disputes. In the latest case, a Patna High Court lawyer was shot dead in broad daylight, allegedly at the behest of his daughter’s boyfriend.
Here are eight shocking instances that highlight how contract killings have become a dangerous trend in the state:
1. Patna Lawyer Jitendra Mahto Murdered (13 July 2025)
Patna High Court advocate Jitendra Mahto was gunned down in public. His daughter’s boyfriend, Shoaib alias Sonu, paid ₹1.5 lakh to have him killed. The killing was carried out by Aditya Kumar and Niranjan, who were part of an eight-member gang. Shoaib had married the lawyer’s daughter secretly in 2022 and became angry when Mahto opposed their relationship. Shockingly, Shoaib visited the family after the murder to express fake condolences.
2. School Director Killed by Wife in Danapur (6 July 2025)
On Danapur-Khagaul Road, Ajit Kumar, a school operator, was shot dead while on his way to meet his father. His wife, Rita Sinha, allegedly hired killers for ₹10 lakh over a property dispute. She paid ₹3 lakh in advance.
3. Land Dealer Shot in Nalanda (19 June 2025)
Land dealer Raji Ahmed alias Nanhu was killed in Panhesa village due to a land dispute. Sakib and Sameen are accused of hiring professional shooters for the hit. Both are currently absconding.
4. Businessman Gunned Down in Chhapra (27 May 2025)
Businessman Amrendra Singh and his aide were shot by motorcycle-borne assailants. Police suspect a ₹10 lakh contract killing orchestrated by Rajendra Singh and Vijay Singh.
5. Rohtas: Brother Kills Brother for Love (4 May 2025)
In Chorakup village, Abhinandan Paswan was shot dead outside his home. His wife and her lover—his own brother—plotted the killing over an illicit affair. They hired killers for ₹2 lakh. Five people were arrested.
6. Hospital Staffer Killed in Patna (2 May 2025)
Amit Kumar, a hospital staffer, was shot on NH-30 while heading to duty. His wife’s cousin, Kundan, hired hitmen for ₹2 lakh due to jealousy over her marriage to Amit.
7. Muzaffarpur Property Dealer Shot Dead (18 March 2025)
Real estate agent Ramkishore alias Tuntun Chaudhary was murdered near Fardo Pothia. Hotelier Bittu Thakur allegedly paid ₹8 lakh to settle a land dispute.
8. Love Triangle Ends in Murder in Darbhanga (28 January 2025)
School teacher Ramashray Yadav was shot dead while riding a bullet with a female colleague. He had rival romantic ties with both a headmistress and a neighbor. The duo paid ₹4 lakh to have him killed.
Latest Murder Reveals Deepening Crisis
The murder of lawyer Jitendra Mahto stands as a grim example of how contract killings are no longer limited to criminals and land disputes but are now emerging from personal relationships and family conflicts.
Shoaib, who had married Mahto’s daughter in 2022 without disclosing his previous marriage and children, was angered by the father’s opposition. Police said the situation worsened when Mahto found out his daughter was still in contact with Shoaib. Just days later, he was killed in a well-planned hit, executed by Aditya Kumar and Niranjan for a measly ₹1.5 lakh.
Despite committing the crime, Shoaib even had the audacity to visit the family to offer condolences, masking his involvement. Patna Police have arrested all eight accused in the case.
SSP’s Statement
Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya Sharma confirmed that Shoaib masterminded the plot but added, “So far, we have not found any evidence suggesting the daughter was involved in the conspiracy. Investigations are still ongoing.”
A Chilling Pattern
From property feuds to romantic jealousies and family betrayals, Bihar’s contract killings are exposing a deeply worrying pattern. The low cost of hiring killers and the lack of fear of consequences seem to be fueling the rise of such crimes.
