Patna: The investigation into the alleged firing incident linked to a coaching institute dispute in Patna has taken a fresh turn, with police sources claiming that shots fired by the bodyguards of educator Faizal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, may not have been in self-defence as initially asserted.
According to information emerging from the latest case diary, the firing allegedly took place on the instructions of Khan and was intended to create fear among those gathered at the scene.
Police sources said preliminary findings indicate that the alleged vandalism and assault occurred around 10:10 pm on June 2, while the firing took place nearly 20 minutes later, at approximately 10:30 pm.
Investigators believe this time gap weakens the claim that the shots were fired in immediate self-defence.
The case stems from a dispute involving coaching institutes in Patna’s Musallahpur Haat area.
According to a press release issued by Patna Police on June 5, investigators obtained a video showing two individuals firing shots into the air after the main incident had concluded.
Police have so far not cited self-defence as a basis for the firing in the case diary.
Sources familiar with the investigation said police are examining CCTV footage, witness statements, forensic evidence and the sequence of events leading up to the firing.
The rifles used in the incident have been seized and sent for forensic examination.
Bodyguards Pradeep Kumar, 38, and Taleshwar Singh, 34, were arrested after a video of the incident surfaced on social media on June 4. Both were identified as members of Khan’s security team.
A case has been registered at Kadamkuan police station against the two bodyguards and Khan based on a complaint filed by the police.
According to investigators, there is currently no evidence to suggest that those allegedly involved in the earlier assault were carrying firearms or other weapons.
Legal experts note that for a self-defence claim to hold, it must be established that there was an immediate threat to life or serious injury and that the use of force was necessary and proportionate to the danger faced.
Police sources further claimed that Pradeep Kumar, during questioning, alleged that Khan had instructed him and his colleague to open fire if any confrontation arose.
According to the purported statement, the guards had been advised to remain on high alert due to tensions among coaching institutes in the area.
Pradeep allegedly told investigators that on the night of June 2, after a security guard identified as Chunchun was assaulted and institute property was damaged, Khan instructed the bodyguards to use their rifles.
These claims, however, are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been independently verified.
Khan has previously maintained that the firing was carried out in self-defence after his institute came under attack.
Earlier, he had told media personnel that the situation had become dangerous and that shots were fired to protect those present at the premises.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya Sharma had earlier stated that police found no evidence of firing during the initial stages of the investigation, and the allegation surfaced only after the video emerged online.
Police are expected to submit an updated case diary on June 20, incorporating findings from forensic examinations and additional evidence.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no court has determined the veracity of the allegations against any of the accused.
