Patna: Panic gripped Patna’s Zero Mile area on Monday night after unidentified assailants opened fire on a moving passenger bus, killing the driver on the spot and injuring another person on the leg. The incident, suspected to be linked to an extortion racket, caused chaos on the busy road as terrified passengers fled for their lives.
The deceased has been identified as Dushyant Mishra, the driver of the bus operated by Neetu Raj Services. According to eyewitnesses, the bus was en route to Bettiah with 45 passengers when it came under attack. Due to heavy traffic near Zero Mile, the vehicle had slowed down, giving the three armed attackers an opportunity to strike around 9 pm.
Within moments, the assailants fired multiple rounds at the bus, forcing passengers to duck for cover. Some even lay flat on the floor as bullets flew through the vehicle. After nearly a minute and a half of horror, the firing stopped. The attackers fled the scene, taking advantage of the chaos, while passengers scrambled out of the bus and ran to safety.
Senior police officials, including Patna City SP Dr. K Ramdas and Sadar SDPO-2 Satyakam, arrived at the crime scene shortly after receiving the alert. Police recovered at least six bullet shells from the site and have launched an intensive manhunt to nab the culprits. The body of the driver was sent to NMCH (Nalanda Medical College and Hospital) for postmortem.
Initial investigations point towards an extortion-related motive. Sources said the bus owners had recently received threats and demands for protection money. When they refused, the violent attack was allegedly carried out as a warning. Police suspect the involvement of two known gangsters, both currently lodged in Beur Jail, who are believed to run criminal operations from behind bars.
“Several rounds were fired. We are looking into all possible angles, including extortion. Raids are underway to arrest the accused,” said SDPO Satyakam.
Police have begun questioning the bus owner, conductor, and manager, while also verifying the background of the deceased driver.
