KKN Gurugram Desk | A serious security incident occurred in Patna on Saturday evening, triggering panic among locals and law enforcement alike. Near the usually busy Hartali Mor area, unidentified assailants opened fire indiscriminately, coinciding with the presence of ADG STF Pankaj Darad, who was passing through the same route at the time of the attack.

In a swift response, the ADG’s bodyguard returned fire, forcing the assailants to flee the scene. The incident has raised serious questions about public safety, especially in zones frequented by high-ranking officials.

Sequence of Events: What Happened at Hartali Mor

According to initial reports, the incident took place around 6 PM on May 24, 2025, on the stretch between Hartali Mor and Mohani Chauraha, a bustling corridor in the Boring Road area of Patna.

Reported Timeline:

• Two vehicles — a Scorpio (without a number plate) and a Bolero — reportedly collided.

• A verbal altercation escalated quickly into gunfire.

• Multiple rounds were fired by unidentified persons from the Scorpio.

• ADG STF Pankaj Darad, who was in the area at the time, witnessed the firing.

• His bodyguard responded with return fire, after which the attackers fled.

Who Is ADG STF Pankaj Darad?

Pankaj Darad serves as the Additional Director General (ADG) of Bihar’s Special Task Force (STF) — a specialized unit tasked with dealing with organized crime, high-profile criminal cases, and counterinsurgency operations.

That such an incident occurred near his convoy, despite tight security, has left officials alarmed.

“This was a serious breach. We are investigating from all angles — was this targeted, or coincidental?” said a senior police officer from Patna.

Police Investigation Underway, Assailants Still Unidentified

Following the incident, ADG Darad immediately alerted senior Patna police officials, prompting the rapid deployment of multiple police teams to the site.

• Forensic experts were seen inspecting bullet casings and vehicle damage.

• Nearby CCTV footage is being reviewed to trace the Scorpio without registration plates.

• Eyewitnesses are being questioned for possible leads.

As of now, the identity of the attackers remains unknown, but their escape in an unregistered vehicle suggests premeditation.

Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos: Panic on the Streets

Civilians present during the shooting described the scene as “complete mayhem.” The sound of gunshots caused traffic to halt, with some motorists abandoning their vehicles and running for cover.

“We heard loud bangs — at least 5 to 6 rounds — and everyone started running. No one knew what was happening,” said Ramesh Prasad, a shopkeeper in the area.

The busy traffic junction, often crowded with commuters and office-goers, was soon deserted as fear gripped the surroundings.

Security Concerns and Law & Order in Bihar

This incident adds to a growing list of public safety concerns in Bihar, especially in urban hotspots like Patna, which are becoming increasingly vulnerable to violent confrontations and criminal activity.

Questions Raised:

• How did an unregistered vehicle manage to operate in a high-security zone?

• Were the criminals targeting someone or merely escalating a road rage incident?

• How close was the threat to a senior law enforcement officer like the ADG STF?

The firing raises not only logistical concerns but also potential intelligence failures in tracking such high-risk movements.

Political Reactions and Public Sentiment

In the aftermath, several political leaders from Bihar have voiced concerns about deteriorating law and order in the state.

Opposition parties have called it a “complete collapse of security protocol”, demanding an urgent review of public safety strategies and the visibility of armed patrols in sensitive zones.

Public Voices:

• “If someone can fire bullets near an ADG, what hope do common citizens have?”

• “We need more police visibility, not just during VIP movement.”

Bihar Police’s Immediate Measures Post-Incident

To contain the situation and prevent further panic, the Bihar Police have initiated the following steps:

• Increased patrolling around Hartali Mor, Boring Road, and surrounding areas

• Temporary traffic redirection to ease congestion caused by the crime scene lockdown

• Deployment of STF and QRT (Quick Response Team) for area sanitization

• Enhanced checks on vehicles without number plates across the city

A special inquiry committee has also been formed to examine potential protocol breaches in the movement of senior officers.

Past Incidents in the Region: A Troubling Pattern?

This is not the first time that Boring Road and Hartali Mor have been at the center of high-profile incidents. In the last year alone:

• A political rally turned violent in the same area

• A local journalist was assaulted near Mohani Chauraha

• Multiple chain snatching and mobile thefts were reported in the vicinity

The pattern suggests a need for deeper surveillance, patrolling reforms, and urban policing upgrades.

Public Safety Recommendations Following the Firing

In light of this security scare, law enforcement authorities are urging citizens to follow safety guidelines when in high-traffic or politically sensitive areas.

Safety Tips from Police:

• Avoid crowding near crime scenes or VIP routes

• Immediately report suspicious vehicles, especially without number plates

• Cooperate during security checks at traffic points

• Use Patna Police app for real-time reporting and location sharing during emergencies

Looking Ahead: Will This Incident Lead to Policy Changes?

Senior officers in the Bihar police department have hinted at revamping VIP movement protocols, especially for senior law enforcement officials who often travel through urban traffic without full convoy coverage.

There are also discussions to:

• Expand CCTV surveillance coverage in Patna

• Mandate automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems

• Set up permanent security outposts at city hotspots

With public pressure mounting and a senior officer nearly caught in the crossfire, officials are expected to act swiftly.

The Hartali Mor firing incident involving the ADG STF convoy has brought to light the urgent need for smarter urban policing, better surveillance, and proactive crime prevention in Bihar’s capital.

While the swift action of the ADG’s bodyguard prevented potential casualties, the broader implications remain troubling. If such an attack can occur in daylight, on a public road, in front of law enforcement, it reflects gaps in the current security apparatus.

The coming days will be critical in how Bihar Police addresses this breach and reassures citizens of their safety in the heart of the capital.