Patna, July 4 (IANS) A property dealer and bookseller was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside a temple in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district on Saturday morning, triggering panic and outrage in the locality.

The victim, who had gone to the temple to offer prayers as part of his daily routine, succumbed to his injuries before he could receive medical treatment.

The incident occurred near Dera Chowk under the Siwaipatti police station limits.

The deceased has been identified as Shyam Kumar Kushwaha alias Shyam Sundar Prasad, a local businessman engaged in both bookselling and property dealing.

According to police, Shyam Kumar Kushwaha reached the temple on Saturday morning to offer prayers when unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly attacked him.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers fired multiple rounds at close range before fleeing the spot while brandishing their weapons.

The victim collapsed after sustaining gunshot injuries.

Local residents rushed him to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), Muzaffarpur, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

After receiving information about the incident, police reached the scene and launched an investigation.

During the inspection, investigators recovered three spent bullet casings from the crime scene.

According to the victim’s family, he sustained two gunshot wounds.

Police have also begun examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area in an effort to identify the attackers and reconstruct the sequence of events.

DSP (East-1) Alay Vats, who visited the crime scene, said the preliminary investigation reveals that the murder may be linked to business rivalry or a land dispute. However, he said all possible angles are being investigated.

The victim was a well-known businessman in the area.

Besides operating a bookshop, he was also involved in property transactions in partnership with a former village Mukhiya.

Police said technical evidence, CCTV footage, and other leads are being analysed to identify those responsible.

Officials have assured that the accused will be traced and arrested, and further legal action will be taken in accordance with the findings of the investigation.

–IANS

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