Patna: Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and current Leader of Opposition, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, visited Patna AIIMS on Saturday to meet the victims of the Naubatpur massacre. Expressing solidarity, the RJD leader announced that his party would provide assistance to the affected families. He also launched a scathing attack on the state government, accusing officials of being “business partners” in crime.
The incident, which took place on the eve of Holika Dahan, left one person dead and two others injured. According to police reports, two motorcycle-borne assailants ambushed an auto-rickshaw outside Chhoti Tangrela village at around 10 pm on Thursday night, opening indiscriminate fire on its occupants.
Lallan Yadav, 45, was returning to his village with his nephews, Prem Kumar and Dara Kumar, when the attack occurred. The gunmen stopped the auto and engaged in an argument with Lallan before opening fire. Lallan and Prem sustained serious bullet injuries, while Dara was hit by a bullet pellet. Locals rushed to the scene upon hearing gunshots, but the assailants had already fled.
The injured were initially taken to Naubatpur Primary Health Centre before being referred to Patna AIIMS. Lallan succumbed to his injuries during treatment, while Prem remains in critical condition. Dara’s injuries were reported to be minor.
Phulwarisharif DSP-2 Deepak Kumar confirmed the recovery of three bullet shells from the crime scene. Preliminary investigations suggest that a dispute over land payments could be the motive behind the attack. Lallan Yadav, apart from driving an auto-rickshaw, was also involved in land dealings. The police have launched an investigation into the case.
