Lawyer gunned down in Patna's Sultanganj, crime wave sparks political firestorm

Patna (Bihar): A lawyer was shot dead in Patna’s Sultanganj area on Sunday in a brazen daylight attack, further raising concerns about Bihar’s deteriorating law and order situation. Police identified the victim as Jitendra Mahato, aged around 58, who later succumbed to his injuries at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH).

This incident comes shortly after the murders of BJP leader and businessman Gopal Khemka and another individual in Ram Krishna Nagar, both of which have intensified opposition criticism of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government over the rising number of violent crimes in the state.

Meanwhile, the Police are present at the scene, and an investigation is underway.

SP Patna East, Parichay Kumar, confirmed that unidentified criminals shot Mahato, who died during treatment. Officers recovered three bullet shells from the scene. Forensic teams have been dispatched and CCTV footage is being reviewed.

"Criminals shot a person named Jitendra Mahato. He was taken to the PMCH hospital for treatment, where he died. The family said that he used to come here every day to drink tea. Today, he came here to drink tea and was shot while returning... Three bullet shells have been recovered from the spot. The identities of the criminals and their motives behind this incident are being investigated. FSL teams, local police, and the SDO were called after I learned about the incident. All the CCTV cameras in the vicinity are being examined... The case is being investigated from every angle," he said.

Preliminary findings suggest Mahato was a lawyer who had not practised for the past two years, according to the SP.

"On the basis of preliminary information, we got to know that the accused was a lawyer, but was not practising for the last two years," he said.

On the pertaining law and order situation, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday claimed there was no organised crime in the State, adding that "it is a bit difficult for the government to stop" murders stemming from personal disputes.

"There is good governance in Bihar, there is no organised crime," Choudhary told ANI.

"If a murder is taking place due to some personal dispute, then it is a bit difficult for the government to stop it. But no organised crime will be allowed to take place in Bihar. This is clear," he added.

Earlier in the day, pointing out the murder of a BJP leader in Patna, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack against the NDA government in Bihar. He asked whether "anyone in the NDA government is willing to listen to the truth or admit their mistakes."

"And now, a BJP leader shot dead in Patna! What to say, and to whom? Is there anyone in the NDA government willing to listen to the truth or admit their mistakes?" Tejashwi Yadav posted on X.

"Everyone knows about the CM's health, but what are the two useless BJP deputy chief ministers doing? No statement from the corrupt Bhunja-DK party?" he added.

ANI