Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Rajkumar Rai, also known as Allah Rai, was brutally shot dead by two unidentified assailants on Wednesday night in Patna’s Munnachak area, under the Chitragupta Nagar police station. The murder, occurring just months before the crucial 2026 Bihar Assembly elections, has raised concerns about rising political violence as the state braces for a heated electoral battle.
The attack took place around 9:30 p.m. when Rai, a prominent figure in the RJD and a potential candidate for the Raghopur constituency, was ambushed near his residence. According to police sources, the assailants fired multiple shots, leaving Rai critically injured. A police team rushed him to a nearby hospital, but doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. Patna Eastern Superintendent of Police Parichay Kumar confirmed that six spent cartridges were recovered from the scene, indicating the ferocity of the attack.
Preliminary investigations point to a land dispute as the likely motive, given Rai’s deep involvement in real estate and land-related businesses in the region. However, the timing of the killing—months before the elections—has fueled speculation of political motivations. “We are treating this as a high-priority case and are exploring all angles, including political rivalries,” Kumar said during a press briefing. CCTV footage from the area captured the assailants executing the crime before fleeing on a motorcycle, and police are actively working to identify and apprehend them.
Also Read: RJD Chief Tejashwi Calls Nitish ‘Copycat CM’
The murder has sparked outrage among RJD supporters, who gathered outside the hospital, demanding swift justice. “Rajkumar Rai was a dedicated leader who worked tirelessly for the people,” said an RJD spokesperson, hinting at a possible conspiracy to weaken the party ahead of the polls. Rai, known for his grassroots connect in Raghopur, was seen as a strong contender for the constituency, previously represented by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, making his death a significant blow to the party’s campaign strategy.
A forensic team visited the crime scene late Wednesday, collecting evidence, including bullet fragments and fingerprints, to aid the investigation. Authorities have sealed off the area and are reviewing additional CCTV footage from nearby locations to track the assailants’ escape route. “We are confident of cracking the case soon,” Kumar added, noting that a special task force has been formed to expedite the probe.
The killing has heightened tensions in Patna, where political rivalries often intersect with land disputes, a common flashpoint in Bihar’s complex socio-economic landscape. With the state elections looming, analysts warn that such incidents could escalate, threatening the democratic process. Local residents expressed shock, with one neighbor, Anil Sharma, stating, “This is a wake-up call. No one feels safe when such brazen crimes happen in the heart of the city.”
As the RJD mourns the loss of a key figure, pressure is mounting on the Bihar government to ensure a transparent investigation and prevent further violence. The incident underscores the volatile mix of politics, power, and property in the state, casting a shadow over the upcoming electoral contest.
Also Read: Dreaded Jharkhand Criminal Shot Dead in Police Encounter