BJP Worker Gunned Down in Bihar, Hours After Deputy CM’s Tough Talk on Crime
BJP worker assassinated despite police promises.
In a brazen attack that exposes the challenges in maintaining law and order in Bihar, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rupak Sahni was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Samastipur district on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred merely hours after Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, responsible for the home department, made a strong public statement asserting that criminals would be completely driven out of the state within the next three months, highlighting a painful contrast between official promises and ground reality.
The 45-year-old victim was at his shop in Sadikpur village, falling under the jurisdiction of Khanpur police station, when bike-borne attackers opened fire at close range. Multiple bullets struck Sahni, and despite being immediately rushed to Samastipur Sadar Hospital by locals, he was declared brought dead by attending doctors. Preliminary probes indicate that the motive could be rooted in personal enmity, but the case has taken on broader implications due to its timing and the victim's political affiliation.
Police authorities moved quickly in response, with Samastipur Superintendent of Police Arvind Pratap Singh announcing the suspension of Khanpur Station House Officer Ranjeet Kumar Singh for alleged dereliction of duty. Two primary suspects, named as Sonu and Monu, have been detained for intensive interrogation, while several special teams have been formed to conduct raids and uncover the full details of the conspiracy. Family members have expressed deep anguish, claiming that Sahni had repeatedly informed police about life threats he was receiving, particularly linked to his active opposition against illegal liquor sales in the locality, yet no preventive action was taken.
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The murder has sparked intense political backlash, with the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) launching a scathing attack on the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government. RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari highlighted the incident as evidence of deteriorating security, stating that no one feels safe anymore as criminals continue to operate with impunity across the state.
As the investigation progresses with forensic analysis and witness statements being collected, the killing of a ruling alliance party worker has intensified scrutiny on the government's crime control strategies and raised concerns about the protection available to political activists even within the coalition.
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