Patna: A spice shopkeeper was shot dead in Patna on Thursday evening during a scheduled blackout mock drill, in an incident that has prompted a police manhunt and raised questions about security arrangements under cover of darkness.
The killing took place in Musallahpur Haat area, under the jurisdiction of the Sultanganj police station in Patna. Police said unidentified assailants opened fire on the shopkeeper shortly after the city’s electricity supply was cut as part of a 15-minute civil defence exercise.
The victim, identified as Pintu Kumar, was reportedly standing near his spice shop when he was shot at close range in the head. He was rushed to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
According to police, the attack occurred around five minutes after the blackout began at 7pm. Officials suspect the assailants may have been lying in wait and used the darkness created by the drill to carry out the killing before fleeing through nearby lanes.
The sound of gunfire triggered panic in the locality, with residents and shopkeepers rushing to the spot once the situation became visible. A police team arrived shortly after and secured the area.
Senior officers said a manhunt has been launched to trace those involved. The motive for the killing remains unclear.
The blackout was part of a coordinated civil defence mock drill conducted across several districts in Bihar, including Patna, aimed at testing emergency preparedness in the event of potential air strikes or large-scale disruption. Power was switched off across the city for 15 minutes, during which traffic was halted and motorists were instructed to turn off headlights.
Large contingents of police and administrative officials were deployed at key points, with operations monitored from a central control room. Drones were also used for surveillance during the exercise.
Despite these arrangements, the killing during the drill has prompted scrutiny of on-ground policing and whether preventive security measures were adequate in the affected area.
