PATNA, July 13 — A 50-year-old rural health officer was shot dead in Patna’s Pipra locality late Saturday, marking the fourth killing in the Bihar capital within a week and deepening concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation.
The victim, identified as Surendra Kumar, was working in a field in Sheikhpura village when the incident occurred, police said. “Villagers reported hearing gunshots and rushed to the spot, where Kumar was found unconscious with bullet injuries,” said Kanhaiya Singh, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (Masaurhi-2).
He was rushed to a nearby hospital but died during treatment. His body has been sent for post-mortem, and an investigation into the motive and suspects is underway, Singh added.
The killing comes on the heels of several high-profile murders in Patna. On July 10, a 50-year-old businessman linked to the sand mining trade was shot dead outside his residence in Ranitalab. A day later, a grocery store owner was gunned down in Ramkrishna Nagar by an unidentified assailant.
These back-to-back incidents followed the murder of prominent industrialist Gopal Khemka, who was shot dead on July 4, sending shockwaves through the business community and prompting demands for stronger security.
While police have launched probes in each case, residents say the recent spike in targeted killings has created a climate of fear. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the murders are connected.
“The frequency of these killings raises serious questions about public safety in the capital,” said a local official, urging swift and coordinated action from law enforcement.
