PATNA: A 40-year-old man with criminal antecedent, Gopal Singh, was shot dead by criminals on NH-22 near Raghunathpur Imadpur under the Bhagwanpur police station area in Vaishali district on Thursday. The victim was a resident of Bithauli village under the same police station area.
SHO of Bhagwanpur police station Alok Kumar said the four motorcycle-borne criminals intercepted Gopal and his friend Sonu Singh, who were riding a bike, and opened fire. “The bullet hit Gopal, killing him on the spot,” he added.
Sonu told police that his wife had won primary agricultural credit society election from Raghunathpur Imadpur and Gopal had helped them a lot in the election. “Gopal was probably killed for joining the campaign of Sonu’s wife,” the SHO added.
“At least 14 criminal cases are lodged against Gopal with Bhagwanpur police station alone. These cases include extortion, scuffle, Arms Act and robbery. He had arrested on many occasions earlier,” the SHO said.
Vaishali Sadar SDPO Raghav Dayal said the locals blocked the road for around an hour after the incident. “Raids are on to arrest those involved in the murder,” he added.