Purnea/Patna: Police in Purnea say two men wanted in the January killing of blogger and businessman Suraj Bihari have confessed after being arrested in Muzaffarpur, with the case now set to be transferred back to Purnea investigators. The case has drawn attention for its alleged links to a dispute over social media content.
Brahmapura police said they detained Snehil Jha, also known as Snehil Thakur, and Aditya Thakur near the Imlichatti bus stand in Muzaffarpur while the pair were travelling from the railway station. Officers described the men as acting suspiciously before being stopped and questioned.
According to police, both suspects admitted their involvement during interrogation at Brahmapura police station. Purnea’s Maranga police station was informed immediately, and the two are expected to be handed over to Purnea police for further proceedings.
City superintendent of police Mohibullah Ansari said investigators believe the accused had been hiding in Muzaffarpur to evade arrest following the killing on January 27. Suraj Yadav was shot dead near Fun City in the Maranga police station area, triggering outrage among followers who had watched his popularity grow on Instagram.
An FIR was lodged by the victim’s elder brother, Uday Kumar Yadav, who told police that Suraj’s rising online following had sparked jealousy. The complaint outlines an alleged chain of events beginning with a dispute involving Suraj’s cameraman, Suraj Sharma, after a video posted on Instagram drew attention from a woman, angering Snehil Thakur.
Police records say the cameraman was allegedly assaulted on January 25 after being summoned to Newalal Chowk, and that attempts were later made to resolve the dispute. On the morning of January 27, Suraj Yadav reportedly arrived at Fun City with a personal guard and others, where an argument escalated into gunfire.
The FIR alleges that multiple shots were fired, three of which struck Suraj Yadav, killing him. The attackers are also accused of taking the guard’s licensed firearm and cash from the vehicle before fleeing. Investigators say they are continuing to identify all those involved in the shooting.
Police have not yet commented on whether additional arrests are expected, but said the investigation remains active as the accused are transferred to Purnea for further questioning and court proceedings.
