Dehri/Patna: The Executive Officer of the Dehri-Dalmianagar Municipal Council, Vimal Kumar, died after being attacked by unidentified assailants while travelling to Patna on Saturday night, triggering a major police investigation spanning the neighbouring districts of Rohtas and Aurangabad.
The attack took place near Dhanauti Bridge under the jurisdiction of Barun police station in Aurangabad district.
Police have detained the victim’s driver for questioning as investigators work to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible.
Attacked While Travelling To Patna
According to preliminary information, Kumar was returning from ‘Ek Shaam Shaheedon Ke Naam’, a programme organised at the Lalan Singh Sporting Club in Dehri, and was travelling to Patna in his official vehicle.
Investigators said the attackers allegedly intercepted the vehicle after overtaking it near Dhanauti Bridge. According to initial accounts, the assailants forced the vehicle to stop by threatening the driver at gunpoint before attacking Kumar.
Police said he was assaulted with sticks, batons and iron rods. There have also been allegations that he was shot, although officials said this has not yet been confirmed.
Succumbed During Treatment
After the attack, local residents alerted the police and helped shift Kumar to a private hospital in Dehri.
As his condition deteriorated, doctors referred him to Narayan Medical College and Hospital in Jamuhar. He reportedly died while being taken there.
Driver In Custody
The victim’s driver, Mithilesh Kumar, fled the scene after the attack, according to police.
He has since been detained and is being questioned about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigators are examining his statement alongside other evidence gathered from the crime scene.
Police Investigating Multiple Angles
Senior administrative and police officials, including Rohtas District Magistrate Deepak Kumar Mishra, Rohtas Superintendent of Police Raushan Kumar, Aurangabad Senior Superintendent of Police Upendra Nath Verma, Sasaram SDM Neha Kumari and Dehri SDM Nilesh Kumar, visited the area following the incident.
Officials have not disclosed a possible motive and said the investigation remains at an early stage.
“A thorough investigation is underway. We are trying to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the murder and identify the individuals responsible,” said Sushil Kumar, Sadar SDPO.
Post-Mortem To Determine Cause Of Death
The victim’s family reached Rohtas after being informed of the incident.
According to officials, the post-mortem examination is being conducted in the presence of family members.
“The medical report will reveal the cause of death. The body has been sent for a post-mortem. Knife marks were found on the arm. There are also allegations of a gunshot wound; this will be clarified once the report is available,” said Dr Maniraj Ranjan, Civil Surgeon, Rohtas.
Conspiracy Alleged
Shashi Kumari, Chief Councillor of the Dehri-Dalmianagar Municipal Council, alleged that Kumar’s killing was part of a larger conspiracy.
“He was on his way home from an event when the incident took place. There is a major conspiracy behind this murder. He performed his duties with integrity. The police administration must investigate the matter and ensure the accused are punished,” she said.
Separately, it has been reported that Dehri MLA Rajiv Ranjan (Sonu Singh) had recently raised questions in the Bihar Assembly concerning Executive Officer Vimal Kumar. Police have not indicated whether this is linked to the investigation, and no official connection has been established.
Officer From Gaya
Vimal Kumar hailed from Sherghati in Gaya district and was serving as the Executive Officer of the Dehri-Dalmianagar Municipal Council.
He is survived by his wife and two young children.
Police said teams from Rohtas and Aurangabad districts are jointly investigating the case, with efforts underway to identify and arrest those responsible.
