Patna: Patna police arrested four alleged contract killers and two stepbrothers accused of hiring them in a foiled murder attempt on Tuesday evening. Officers said Neeraj Pandey’s stepbrothers, Manish and Vikas, allegedly paid Rs 8,00,000 to have him killed following a long-standing land dispute.
The plot unravelled after Neeraj alerted police that men were following him near the Fakirwada Mosque. Officers detained a suspect named Saurabh, who during questioning revealed details of his accomplices. Swift action led to the arrest of Baiju Kumar, Karan Kumar, Pankaj Kumar, and Guddu Kumar.
A search recovered two pistols, two country-made guns, 18 live cartridges, three magazines, five black caps, a Honda City with a Delhi registration, a motorbike, and four mobile phones. Police said call detail records and forensic tests will be carried out on the phones.
Central SP Deeksha said the stepbrothers were also taken into custody following identification by the shooters, though no incriminating material was recovered from them. Their interrogation is ongoing.
The arrests have caused shock in the Kadamkuan area, where police say timely intervention prevented a major tragedy. Further revelations are expected as the investigation continues.
