Hajipur: Panic spread in Vaishali district after an armed group allegedly opened fire at a line hotel in Bedouli Chowk under Lalganj police station following a dispute between two groups. A hotel customer was injured in the firing, while the hotel owner alleged that he was abducted and assaulted by the attackers.
According to the hotel operator, more than 20 rounds were fired at the hotel, triggering chaos as people ran for safety. The injured customer has been identified as 24-year-old Vaidehi Kumar Yadav, son of Baliram Yadav and a resident of Jafrabād under Lalganj police station.
The hotel owner, identified as Raja Kumar, said the establishment is known as Vinod Singh Hotel.
Dispute escalates into firing
According to Raja Kumar, an argument between two groups at the hotel during the night escalated into a fight. The groups allegedly assaulted each other and damaged vehicles during the altercation.
Raja Kumar claimed that one group subsequently called around 50 to 60 associates to the spot. The group allegedly arrived in a Scorpio SUV and around 10 motorcycles before opening fire at the hotel.
A customer present at the hotel was hit by a bullet during the firing and was subsequently taken for treatment.
Hotel owner alleges abduction and assault
Raja Kumar further alleged that the attackers took him away from the hotel after the firing and questioned him about the identity of members of the rival group.
He claimed that when he refused to provide their names, the attackers allegedly cut his hand with a blade and threatened to kill him if he did not reveal the information.
According to the hotel owner, the group fled after rumours spread that police were approaching. He then managed to return to the hotel.
Raja Kumar told police that he could identify the alleged attackers by their faces.
Police begin investigation
After receiving information about the incident, Lalganj police reached the spot and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the firing and alleged assault.
Police are also looking for those allegedly involved in the incident.
The exact circumstances leading to the dispute, the number of shots fired and the identities of all those involved are yet to be officially established. Further investigation is underway.
