A property dealer was shot dead in Bihar's Muzaffarpur on Saturday morning while he was at a temple for his regular prayers, sending shockwaves through the area. The man succumbed to his injuries before he could even be rushed to the hospital, and the attackers fled the scene right after the shooting. Police have launched an investigation into the killing.
Attack unfolds during morning prayers
The incident took place at a temple at Dera Chowk under the Siwaipatti police station area of Muzaffarpur district. Shyam Kumar Kushwaha, also known as Shyam Sundar Prasad, a bookshop owner who also worked as a property dealer, had gone to the temple on Saturday morning as he did every day. Unidentified assailants on a motorcycle, who were lying in wait, opened fire on him. The attackers targeted Shyam Kumar and fired repeatedly at him. The sound of gunfire triggered panic among people in and around the temple premises. After carrying out the attack, the assailants fled the spot while brandishing their weapons.
Eyewitness recounts the shooting
According to eyewitness Alka Devi, the attackers fired several rounds at Shyam Kumar from extremely close range. He collapsed on the spot, bleeding profusely, immediately after being hit. Local residents rushed him to SKMCH college in Muzaffarpur for treatment without delay, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Ran a property business alongside his bookshop
Shyam Kumar Kushwaha was known as an active businessman in his locality. Apart from running his bookshop, he also worked in property dealing along with a local former mukhiya. Given his active presence in the community, the killing has left local residents in deep shock, and there is visible anger among people in the area.
Three cartridge cases recovered, police scan CCTV footage
As soon as they were alerted, police reached the spot and carried out a thorough inspection of the crime scene. During the investigation, police recovered three empty cartridge cases from the location. According to family members, Shyam Kumar was hit by two bullets. Police are now going through footage from CCTV cameras installed in the surrounding area in an effort to identify the attackers.
DSP points to business rivalry or land dispute
DSP East One Alay Vats, who reached the spot for the investigation, said that based on the initial probe, the case appears to be linked to business rivalry or a land dispute. He said the police team is examining technical evidence and CCTV footage to get to the bottom of the case, and that whoever the culprits are, they will soon be arrested.
