Patna, Bihar
Patna: A young man returning home after selling garlands was allegedly shot dead late Tuesday night in the Athmalgola police station area of Patna district, Bihar. The incident took place near the Dakshinchak railway crossing, where unidentified assailants targeted the man while he was returning home on a bicycle.
The incident created panic in the area. Police took the body into custody and sent it for post-mortem examination before beginning an investigation.
The deceased has been identified as Lalan Puri, 30, a resident of Dakshinchak village. According to reports, Puri sold garlands at local fairs to support his family. On Tuesday, he had gone to the Janmashtami fair in Rupas village to sell garlands. After the fair ended late at night, he began his journey home by bicycle.
Assailants Open Fire Near Railway Crossing
According to preliminary information, Lalan Puri reached the area near the Dakshinchak railway crossing at around 1 a.m. It was allegedly at this point that unidentified assailants, who were lying in wait, opened fire on him. After being shot, he fell onto the road.
Reports suggest that the victim sustained two gunshot wounds, one near his eye and another to his hand. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The accused reportedly fled the area immediately after the attack.
After receiving information about the incident, Athmalgola police reached the spot. Officers took the body into custody and sent it for post-mortem examination. Police are questioning local residents and collecting evidence from the crime scene.
Had Started Using Bicycle After Motorcycle Was Burnt
According to local information, Lalan Puri previously travelled to fairs on a motorcycle to sell garlands. However, it is alleged that a local resident had set his motorcycle on fire some time ago. Following the incident, Puri travelled by bicycle to the Janmashtami fair in Rupas village on Tuesday.
His killing while returning from the fair has raised several questions. Police are also investigating whether the earlier motorcycle-burning incident could be connected to Tuesday night’s murder.
Police Investigating Possible Old Dispute
Police are currently investigating a possible old dispute as one of the suspected motives behind the killing. However, the exact reason for the murder and the identities of those responsible have not yet been established.
Investigators are trying to determine who Lalan Puri had disputes with and whether he had spoken to or argued with anyone shortly before the incident.
The killing has plunged the victim’s family into mourning, while fear has spread among local residents following the incident. Police are searching for the accused, and further action will be based on the post-mortem report and evidence emerging during the investigation.
