KKN Gurugram Desk | In a disturbing incident that shook the outskirts of Patna, Bihar’s capital, a local cricket tournament turned into a crime scene after gunmen opened fire during the prize distribution ceremony. The incident took place late on Wednesday night in Mahato Tola village, located under the Ranitalab police station jurisdiction in the Paliganj area of Patna district.

According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, two motorcycle-borne assailants arrived at the venue during the concluding moments of the tournament and fired multiple rounds, specifically targeting Anjani Singh, the local village head (Mukhiya) representative and the event’s chief guest.

The Incident: Attack During Prize Distribution Ceremony

The cricket match had concluded peacefully, and the villagers had gathered in large numbers to witness the prize distribution ceremony—a common community celebration in rural Bihar. The event, organized to encourage youth participation in sports, was presided over by Anjani Singh, who had reportedly contributed both financially and administratively to the tournament.

At around 12:30 AM, just as awards were being handed out, two motorcycles carrying four men arrived at high speed. Without any verbal confrontation, the assailants opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic and chaos among the attendees. Three individuals were shot, including:

• Anjani Singh (Mukhiya representative) – sustained four gunshot wounds in the leg

• Raja – a spectator, hit by a single bullet

• Dharmendra – another bystander, also shot once

Targeted Attack: Anjani Singh Was the Primary Focus

Preliminary investigations and statements from family members suggest that the attackers’ primary target was Anjani Singh. While Raja and Dharmendra happened to be collateral victims, the assailants directed most of their firepower at Singh, hitting him multiple times in the lower body.

Police sources indicate that a past dispute involving Anjani Singh may have led to the attack. His brother later confirmed that this was not the first such incident and alleged that prior threats had been ignored by local police, despite formal complaints being filed.

“There was an earlier attempt on Anjani Singh’s life. We had filed a complaint at the local police station and even requested security. But no action was taken,” the brother told the media.

Medical Condition and Current Status of Victims

All three injured individuals were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital by locals and police personnel. Medical teams have since stabilized their condition. Doctors treating Anjani Singh confirmed that although he was hit by four bullets, none of them caused life-threatening injuries. He remains under observation and will likely undergo a minor surgical procedure to extract the lodged bullets.

Both Raja and Dharmendra, who were shot in non-critical areas, have been discharged after receiving primary medical care but will be monitored for complications.

Police Investigation: FIR Lodged, Hunt for Suspects On

Paliganj DSP Umeshwar Chaudhary confirmed the incident and detailed the initial response from law enforcement. He stated that the assailants fled the scene immediately after firing, and police teams were deployed within minutes of receiving the report.

“The firing occurred around 12:30 AM during a public gathering. The suspects used motorbikes for a quick escape. We’ve formed special teams to track down the culprits. Surveillance footage is being examined,” said DSP Chaudhary.

A formal FIR has been registered under multiple IPC sections related to attempt to murder, unlawful assembly, and possession of illegal arms. Police are also checking whether any CCTV footage from nearby shops or homes captured the attackers’ faces or vehicle registration numbers.

Community Shocked: Crime Disrupts Local Celebration

The incident has sent shockwaves through Mahato Tola and surrounding villages. Cricket tournaments in rural Bihar are highly anticipated events, often drawing participation from youth and respected community leaders. That such an event became the backdrop for a targeted shooting has raised serious questions about law and order in semi-urban areas.

Villagers are now demanding enhanced police presence and regular patrolling, especially during public gatherings. Several locals expressed disappointment at how earlier complaints had been dismissed, which, according to them, emboldened the criminals.

Pattern of Violence: Local Politics and Personal Rivalries

Criminal incidents involving village representatives or political aspirants are unfortunately not uncommon in rural Bihar. In many cases, personal rivalries escalate into violence due to lack of timely legal intervention, political vendettas, or disputes over land, resources, or influence.

In the current case, Anjani Singh was said to have had ongoing disagreements with a local faction, possibly over development work allocations, local contracts, or political influence in the Panchayat. Police are also exploring this angle, although no official names have been released.

Administrative Response: DM and SP Briefed

Given the gravity of the situation, senior officials from the District Administration and Patna Police have been briefed. A high-level review is likely to take place, and sources indicate that Paliganj’s law enforcement practices may be audited to assess lapses in preventive action.

A local magistrate has been appointed to record witness statements, while a list of known criminals in the area is being reviewed for possible links to the attack.

Political Reactions: Condemnation and Questions

Political leaders from the local Panchayat to state representatives have condemned the incident. Several local parties have used the occasion to criticize the breakdown of security infrastructure in Bihar’s semi-rural regions. Some leaders have demanded:

• Deployment of special armed forces during public events

• Police accountability for inaction on earlier complaints

• Immediate arrest and public disclosure of the accused

So far, no arrests have been made, but sources within the Bihar Police confirm that a suspect list has been prepared and raids are underway in multiple locations.

Broader Implications: Law and Order Concerns in Bihar

This shooting is just the latest in a series of violent incidents across Bihar in recent months. From political killings to public shootouts, the frequency of gun violence points toward a growing challenge for state policing.

While Bihar has witnessed progress in digital policing and civic governance, deep-rooted criminal networks and political patronage continue to disrupt peace, particularly in Tier-3 and rural zones.

Security experts suggest that community policing, regular crime mapping, and strict licensing of weapons could curb such violence in the long term.