Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Rajkumar Rai, also known as Allah Rai, was allegedly shot dead by two unidentified assailants on Wednesday night in Munnachak locality of Chitragupta here.

The incident comes just months ahead of the Bihar assembly elections. Sources said Rai was a likely candidate from the Raghopur constituency.

Police officials said that preliminary investigation suggests a land dispute may have triggered the attack, as Rai was actively involved in land-related businesses.

Rai was rushed to the hospital by police after the shooting, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. Six cartridges were recovered from the scene, and CCTV footage captured the attackers executing the crime before escaping.

Patna East SP Parichay Kumar said, "A person was shot in lane number seventeen in front of Rajendra Nagar Terminal. His name is being told as Rajkumar alias Ala Rai. Accused seen in CCTV footage. There may be other culprits as well. It is being told that this person was politically active and he also used to buy and sell land. So we are investigating every angle. Our entire police team is engaged in investigating this incident. This incident happened around 10 pm."

Patna Eastern Superintendent of Police Parichay Kumar confirmed that a forensic team has collected evidence, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest the accused.