Patna, Aug 28 (IANS) A 22-year-old man was shot dead by unidentified assailants during an Akhada procession near Purani Chowk in Bihar’s Gopalganj district, said police on Friday.
The incident occurred around 11.30 p.m. on Thursday and has triggered panic and tension in the area, prompting the deployment of additional police personnel.
The deceased was identified as Vikas Kumar, son of Shivaji, a resident of Gopalganj.
According to a preliminary investigation, Vikas was participating in or was present near the procession when the attackers allegedly approached him and shot him in the head at close range.
He collapsed on the road following the shooting, and people present at the Akhada procession tried to help him initially and later informed the district police about the incident.
After receiving the information about the shooting, Town Police reached the spot and rushed Vikas to Sadar Hospital. Doctors examined him and declared him dead during the treatment.
Gopalganj Sadar SDPO-2 Rajesh Kumar subsequently reached Model Sadar Hospital with a police team and met the victim’s family to gather information.
The body was sent for post-mortem examination.
Gopalganj police have launched an investigation to identify the attackers.
CCTV footage from cameras installed around Purani Chowk and nearby areas is being examined to establish the sequence of events and identify those involved.
SDPO-2 Rajesh Kumar said the motive behind the killing had not yet been established.
Police are investigating all possible angles, including personal enmity and a dispute that may have occurred during the procession.
He said the accused would be identified and arrested soon.
Gopalganj police have registered an FIR under relevant sections of murder against unknown assailants in the Town Police Station in the district.
Following the incident, additional police forces were deployed at Purani Chowk and other sensitive locations to prevent any escalation of tension.
Police were maintaining a close watch on the area as the investigation continued.
–IANS
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