Patna Double Murder Shocks City: Mother-Daughter Shot Dead

KKN Gurugram Desk | Patna, Bihar’s capital, woke up to a horrific incident on Monday morning when armed assailants executed a brutal shooting at a residence located near Arfabad Canal in the Alamganj police station area. The attack led to the instant death of amother and her daughter, while the head of the family, Dhananjay Prasad, sustained critical bullet injuries.

He was immediately rushed to NMCH (Nalanda Medical College and Hospital) for urgent treatment.

The victims have been identified as:

• Mahalaxmi Devi (Mother) – reportedly a nurse by profession

• Santhali Kumari (Daughter)

• Dhananjay Prasad (Husband/Father) – currently under treatment

Two Men on Bike Rained Bullets, Targeted the Family

Eyewitnesses report that two unidentified assailants arrived on a motorcycle early in the morning. They stormed into the house and opened indiscriminate fire, clearly aiming at Mahalaxmi Devi, her daughter Santhali, and her husband Dhananjay.

Locals described the gunshots as sudden and rapid. By the time people could react, the attackers had fled the scene.

Despite Dhananjay being paralysed and bedridden, the attackers showed no hesitation in shooting him as well, suggesting a deliberate intent to eliminate all family members.

Crime Scene Details: Knife, Sickle, and Cartridges Recovered

Following the incident, a police team led by City SP Akhilesh Jha and Alamganj Police Station officers arrived promptly to secure the crime scene and initiate an investigation.

Initial recovery from the crime scene includes:

• One knife

• One sickle (daranti)

• Four live cartridges

These objects point to a pre-planned, violent confrontation, possibly involving more than just firearms.

Victims Kept to Themselves, Say Neighbours

According to people living in the vicinity, Mahalaxmi Devi and her daughter were not socially active and rarely interacted with neighbours. Some claim that the family maintained low visibility in the community, which is now being factored into the investigation to explore personal enmity or unresolved disputes.

A police source said:

“We’re checking for any prior complaints, threats, or disputes involving the family.”

Law and Order Concerns in Patna

This incident has once again raised concerns about the state of law and order in Patna, a city already battling a spike in targeted violence and street-level crimes. The audacity of criminals to carry out such a heinous act in daylight has left residents in shock.

Many are questioning:

• How could such a violent act go unchecked?

• What is the security situation in residential colonies near the Arfabad canal?

• Were there any prior warnings or suspicious activity reported?

SP Akhilesh Jha: “Investigation Is Ongoing”

Speaking to the media, City SP Akhilesh Jha refrained from making speculative comments but confirmed that the investigation is progressing rapidly.

“We urge citizens not to panic or believe in rumors. A full investigation is underway, and we will disclose details as soon as verified facts are available,” Jha told reporters.

Possible Motives Under Consideration

While the motive remains officially undisclosed, several angles are under examination:

1. Personal Enmity: Due to the family’s isolation and limited social ties, investigators are considering long-standing grudges or family feuds.

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2. Property Dispute: Whether the family was involved in a land or inheritance conflict.

3. Professional Connection: Since Mahalaxmi Devi was a nurse, any possible workplace tensions are also being explored.

4. Targeted Assassination: Given the specific targeting and method of execution, this angle is being prioritized.

Sources suggest the use of both firearms and sharp weapons could indicate a deep-seated vendetta rather than a robbery or random crime.

Security in Alamganj Under Scrutiny

The Alamganj police jurisdiction has witnessed sporadic criminal activity in recent months, but a double murder in broad daylight has escalated public anxiety.

Following this incident, additional patrolling units have been deployed in the area, and surveillance has been intensified.

Authorities have also initiated:

• CCTV footage analysis from nearby lanes and access roads

• Mobile tower dump data to track suspect movements

• Witness statements to build a profile of the attackers

Public Reaction: Fear, Anger, and Demands for Action

Locals are visibly shaken. Residents have demanded swift justice, urging the police to make quick arrests and ensure no political pressure or procedural delay hampers the investigation.

A resident, who did not wish to be named, said:

“If people can be killed inside their own homes in the morning, how safe are we in Patna today?”

Hospital Update: Dhananjay Prasad Critical

As per hospital sources at NMCH, Dhananjay Prasad is in a critical but stable condition. Bullet injuries have caused severe trauma, and a surgical team is monitoring his vitals round-the-clock.

Doctors stated:

“He has sustained multiple injuries but is currently alive. The next 48 hours are crucial.”

Police officials are stationed outside the hospital to provide protection and prevent any potential threats to the survivor.

Next Steps in the Investigation

According to senior police officials, the following steps are underway:

• Crime Branch involvement for technical support

• Forensic analysis of the weapons recovered

• Examination of call records of all family members

• Reconstruction of events based on eyewitness accounts and digital data

A press briefing is expected in the next 24–48 hours once preliminary findings are confirmed.

The murder of Mahalaxmi Devi and Santhali Kumari in the heart of Patna underscores the growing threat of organized, targeted crime. It raises urgent questions about the efficacy of urban policing, vulnerability of citizens, and the need for community vigilance.

While the investigation is underway, the broader concern remains — how long will criminals feel empowered to act without fear in Bihar’s capital?

KKNLive will continue to monitor the case and provide verified updates as developments unfold.