Patna, June 9 (IANS) In a shocking incident that has once again raised concerns over law and order in Bihar, a progressive farmer and nursery operator was shot dead in broad daylight in Muzaffarpur district on Tuesday.

The victim, Raju Kumar Chaudhary (40), a resident of Chakelal village under the Bochaha police station area, had previously been honoured by former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his contributions to the agricultural sector.

According to family members and local residents, Chaudhary was sitting at his village grocery store, peeling garlic, when three unidentified assailants arrived on a motorcycle. The men initially engaged him in conversation under the pretext of purchasing goods. Moments later, they allegedly opened fire, with one bullet striking Chaudhary in the head.

The attack created panic in the area as the assailants fled immediately after the shooting. Local residents rushed the critically injured farmer to Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) for treatment. However, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

The news of Chaudhary’s death sent shockwaves through the village and left his family devastated. Residents described him as a hardworking and progressive farmer who had earned recognition and respect for his achievements in agriculture and nursery management.

“My father was sitting at the shop counter when three youths arrived, shot him in the head, and fled. He had even been honoured by former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his excellent work in agriculture and nursery management,” said Rahul Kumar, the deceased’s son.

Following the incident, personnel from the Bochaha police station arrived at the scene and launched an investigation. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has also been called to collect evidence from the crime scene.

Given the seriousness of the case, Muzaffarpur Rural Superintendent of Police Rajesh Singh Prabhakar visited SKMCH and met the victim’s family to gather information regarding the incident.

Police officials have begun examining CCTV footage from nearby locations and are investigating all possible angles behind the murder.

“Preliminary investigations indicate the involvement of three unidentified assailants. Footage from CCTV cameras in the vicinity is being scrutinised. The police are investigating all aspects of the case, and the accused will soon be identified and arrested,” said Rajesh Singh Prabhakar, Rural SP, Muzaffarpur.

–IANS

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