YOUTH SHOT DEAD

YOUTH SHOT DEAD

17-OCT-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------In a shocking incident that has once again highlighted the rising crime in Bihar’s Bhojpur district, an 18-year-old student was gunned down by unidentified assailants while visiting a Durga Puja fair.

The victim has been identified as Shantanu Kumar (also referred to as Santana Kumar in some reports), son of Kundan Singh, a resident of Badgaon village under Azimabad police station. Shantanu had come to his maternal aunt’s village in Pavna to enjoy the festive mela. In the evening, he went to Pavna market with his maternal cousin Sahil Kumar and a few others to view the idols and take part in the celebrations.

According to Sahil Kumar, three young men on a motorcycle suddenly approached from behind and opened fire. The bullet struck Shantanu in the back. He collapsed, bleeding heavily. Locals and family members rushed him towards Arrah Sadar Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries on the way. Doctors declared him brought dead. Panic gripped the fair following the shooting.

Shantanu had recently passed his matriculation examination and was pursuing further studies. His father works as a private security guard in Patna. The family and local residents are in deep shock and grief. No clear motive—such as prior enmity or dispute—has emerged so far.

Sub-Inspector Manju Patel of Pavna police station confirmed that the police received information about a youth being shot in the market. A team reached the spot and began the investigation. Police teams have been formed, are collecting evidence from the scene, and are searching for the three bike-borne attackers who fled immediately after the incident.

This cold-blooded murder during a major festival has sparked concern about law and order in the region and created fear among local residents. Authorities have assured that the investigation is underway and efforts are being made to identify and apprehend those responsible.