The wave of violence continues to shake Bihar as yet another shocking incident has surfaced. In a cold-blooded act of political violence, former BJP Kisan Morcha president of Punpun, Surendra Kewat, was brutally murdered by unidentified gunmen late Saturday night. The incident took place near Bihata-Sarmera State Highway 78, sending shockwaves through the political and local communities.

According to initial reports, Kewat had gone to his agricultural field after dinner to shut off a motor pump installed in his farmland, located at the edge of the village near the state highway. He was allegedly shot at point-blank range by four assailants who arrived on two motorcycles.

Crime Scene: Planned Execution Near SH-78

As per eyewitness accounts and local sources, Surendra Kewat was preparing to ride his motorcycle back home after switching off the water pump in his field when the assailants attacked. The attackers allegedly fired multiple bullets, of which at least four bullets hit the BJP leader, leaving him gravely injured.

After committing the crime, the accused immediately fled the scene, disappearing into the darkness before help could arrive. Locals, who heard the gunshots, rushed to the spot and found Kewat lying in a pool of blood. Without wasting time, they transported him to AIIMS Patna, but the doctors there declared him brought dead.

Political Turmoil: BJP Reacts Strongly

The killing of a prominent BJP face has led to sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bihar. Party leaders have condemned the incident, alleging that law and order has collapsed under the current state government. Demands for a high-level investigation and immediate arrest of the culprits have been raised.

BJP leaders claim that such attacks on political figures reveal the deteriorating security conditions in the state. “If a former party office-bearer is not safe in his own village, what about the common man?” asked a senior BJP spokesperson while speaking to reporters in Patna.

Background of the Victim: A Grassroots Leader

Surendra Kewat, a respected leader in the local farming community, had served as the BJP Kisan Morcha President for the Punpun block. He was known for raising agricultural issues and was well-regarded among the rural voters. According to party sources, he had no known criminal background and had been focusing on organizational work in his constituency.

Locals describe him as a soft-spoken and community-oriented person who was often seen mediating in village disputes and helping fellow farmers with irrigation-related issues.

Location Insight: Why Bihata-Sarmera SH-78 Is Notorious

The Bihata-Sarmera SH-78 stretch, where the incident took place, has in recent times turned into a hotspot for criminal activities due to its proximity to semi-urban areas and lack of consistent police patrolling. Local residents have repeatedly requested the government to increase surveillance and street lighting, but no major actions have been taken yet.

In several past cases, this highway has witnessed snatching, highway robbery, and now, political killings — underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure and security reform.

Police Investigation Underway

Police officials from the Punpun police station have launched a manhunt for the four accused, and nearby CCTV footage is being scanned to trace the routes taken by the attackers. Senior officials from the Patna Police visited the crime scene on Sunday morning and assured a swift probe.

While no group has taken responsibility yet, authorities are investigating personal enmity, political rivalry, and land-related disputes as possible motives behind the murder. The police have also formed special teams to trace mobile locations and suspicious activity near the crime location.

Law and Order in Bihar: A Recurring Crisis

This is not an isolated incident. Bihar has seen a surge in criminal activities, particularly targeting political leaders, government officers, and activists. From contract killings to extortion threats, law enforcement in the state continues to face criticism for failing to control rising crime rates.

In just the past month, multiple incidents of daylight murders and abductions have been reported across districts like Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Begusarai, and now, Patna.

Local Reactions: Fear, Anger, and Demand for Justice

The brutal murder of Surendra Kewat has created a palpable sense of fear in the area. Villagers have called for increased patrolling, immediate arrest of the killers, and better protection for local political and social workers. Many locals gathered near his house on Sunday morning, demanding justice and swift action.

“This is not just an attack on one person. This is an attack on the entire democratic system,” said a local BJP supporter, highlighting how political workers in rural Bihar live under constant threat.

What’s Next: Possible Political Fallout

The state administration is under pressure to respond decisively, especially with upcoming local elections in several blocks of Bihar. Chief Minister’s Office has yet to release a formal statement, but sources say that a high-level inquiry committee may soon be formed.

If the case is not handled swiftly and transparently, it could spark protests, affect governance, and further polarize voters in the region.

The murder of BJP leader Surendra Kewat in Punpun is a grim reminder of how fragile the security setup is in many parts of Bihar. The fact that the crime took place so close to a major state highway and that the assailants could flee without a trace exposes significant loopholes in local policing.