Patna/Purnia: A former village chief in Bihar’s Purnia district was shot and injured on Wednesday night after three men allegedly ambushed him near a local cemetery, police said. Officers are investigating four individuals named by the victim, though the motive remains unclear.
Mohammad Sajid, former mukhiya of Bhoga Kariyat panchayat and a resident of Chatia village, was travelling home by motorcycle with a friend after attending a community feast at Line Bazaar when the attack took place. According to his statement to police, a white Apache motorcycle overtook them before stopping near the Jiyagachi cemetery. Three men, their faces covered with scarves, allegedly opened fire.
One bullet struck Sajid in the leg, while another ricocheted off his motorcycle’s fuel tank. Despite bleeding heavily, he continued driving for nearly a kilometre before stopping in his village, where locals arranged his admission to the Government Medical College and Hospital. His companion was unharmed.
Purnea police have registered a case and initiated raids to trace the attackers. Officers are examining whether personal rivalry or a land dispute could be linked to the incident. “The injured has named four individuals as suspects. Further action is underway,” said Sudin Ram, officer-in-charge of Mufassil police station.
