Crime – Police Encounter Follows Fatal Shooting at Bhagalpur Civic Office
Crime – A day after a shocking shooting inside a municipal office in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district left one senior official dead and another seriously injured, police reported that the prime suspect, Ramdhani Yadav, was killed during an encounter on Wednesday.
Incident Inside Municipal Office
The violence unfolded on Tuesday evening at the Sultanganj municipal corporation office, where unidentified assailants entered the chairman’s chamber and began firing. Executive officer Krishna Bhushan Kumar lost his life after reportedly confronting the attackers, while chairman Raj Kumar sustained critical injuries. He was later shifted to a hospital in Patna for advanced treatment.
Authorities believe the attack was not random but a targeted act linked to internal disputes within the civic body.
Accused Killed During Police Operation
Police stated that Ramdhani Yadav, identified as the main conspirator, died during a confrontation with law enforcement the following day. Yadav was the husband of the deputy chairperson, Neelam Devi, and was accused of orchestrating the attack.
According to senior officer Pramod Kumar Yadav, a police team had gone to recover weapons connected to the case when they were met with heavy gunfire. Officers claim that Yadav and his associates opened fire in an attempt to evade arrest. In response, police returned fire in self-defense. Yadav was later taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Injuries and Arrests
The encounter also resulted in injuries to three police personnel, including Deputy Superintendent of Police Navneet Kumar and Inspectors Mrityunjay Kumar and Parmeshwar. All injured officers are currently receiving medical care.
Police confirmed the arrest of two additional suspects linked to the case. One of them is reportedly a relative of Yadav. Officials noted that both individuals have prior criminal records, and further interrogation is underway to determine the full extent of the conspiracy.
Possible Motive Under Investigation
Initial findings suggest that tensions over the allocation of municipal tenders may have played a role in the attack. Investigators are examining whether disagreements between the chairman and the deputy chairperson escalated into violence.
Officials have not ruled out the involvement of a larger network and are continuing to gather evidence, including forensic analysis and witness statements.
Government Response and Political Reactions
In response to the incident, the state government announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the family of the deceased officer. It also confirmed that Krishna Bhushan Kumar would be accorded state honours in recognition of his service.
Meanwhile, the incident has triggered political debate. Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav raised concerns about possible political connections, alleging that the accused may have received protection. He called for a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure accountability.
Ongoing Investigation
Security has been tightened in the area as authorities continue their probe. Police are also reviewing surveillance footage and communication records to identify any additional individuals involved.
The incident has drawn attention to safety concerns within government offices and the need for stronger security measures to prevent such attacks in the future