Patna, July 1 (IANS) An Excise Department team came under attack late on Tuesday night in Patna district while returning from a raid against illegal liquor trade.

The incident occurred near Akhtiyarpur Bridge under the Paliganj police station area after the team had arrested five people during the operation.

No injuries were reported in the incident and the Bihar Police has launched an investigation into the incident.

The Excise Department team was returning to the Excise police station in a Scorpio after conducting a raid in the Maharajganj Musahari area, where five individuals were arrested in connection with the alleged illegal liquor trade.

While passing near Akhtiyarpur Bridge, unidentified persons allegedly attacked the vehicle.

The Excise Department stated that a bullet struck the Scorpio, shattering the window of the right-side door before passing through and exiting from the left-side door.

The vehicle was carrying Home Guard jawan Prince Kumar Mishra, other excise personnel, and the five arrested individuals.

All occupants escaped without injury, with officials attributing the safe outcome in part to the driver’s prompt response.

Excise officials have alleged that the attack was carried out by persons associated with the illegal liquor trade in an attempt to free the arrested suspects.

However, police said they are examining all possible angles and have not reached a final conclusion regarding the nature of the incident.

After receiving information, local police reached the scene and began an investigation.

Investigators are questioning local residents, collecting technical and forensic evidence, and examining whether the damage resulted from actual gunfire or another form of attack, such as stone-pelting.

The exact sequence of events and the method used in the attack are yet to be conclusively established.

The Excise Department has expressed concern over the incident, and a joint investigation involving the police and excise authorities is underway.

The Station House Officer of Paliganj said appropriate legal action will be taken after a formal complaint is received and once the investigation clarifies the facts surrounding the incident.

–IANS

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