Family Returning From Chhath Puja Shot At In Bihar's Lakhisarai Over 'Love Affair'; 2 Dead, 4 Injured

The unfortunate incident occurred in the Punjabi Mohalla area under the jurisdiction of the Kaviya police station. The victims were en route from the riverbank, where they had performed the Chhath Puja rituals, to their home when gunfire erupted.

PATNA: In a shocking incident in Biar's Lakhisarai, a family returning home after offering prayers during the Chhath Puja was fired upon by some unidentified miscreants on Monday morning. The assailants, hiding very close to their residence, targeted at least six individuals, resulting in the death of two and leaving four critically injured. Those injured include the wives of the deceased, sister, and father.

#BreakingNews | बिहार के लखीसराय में अंधाधुंध फायरिंग, एक ही परिवार के 5 लोगों को लगी गोली #LakhisaraiFiring #Bihar #BiharPolice | @anchorjiya @supreetanchor @jhapras pic.twitter.com/4T8RZqJs3e

— Zee News (@ZeeNews) November 20, 2023

Chhath Puja Turns Tragic

The unfortunate incident occurred in the Punjabi Mohalla area under the jurisdiction of the Kaviya Police Station. The victims were returning from the riverbank, where they had performed the Chhath Puja rituals, to their home when the firing took place.

Tragically, two members of the family lost their lives in the firing, while four others sustained severe injuries. Prompt action was taken, and all the injured were swiftly referred to Patna for treatment. Sharing more details, ASP Lakhisarai, Pankaj Kumar said, ''Three injured have been referred from Begusarai Sadar Hospital to Patna."  

#WATCH | Bihar: Two members of a family were shot dead and four others were injured in Punjabi Mohalla under the Kabaiya police station of Lakhisarai. The incident took place when they were returning from Chhath Ghat after performing pooja. Three injured have been referred from… pic.twitter.com/BF0i8mAAQz

— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2023

Investigation Begins

Upon receiving information about the firing incident, SP Pankaj Kumar reached the crime scene along with a police team and ordered a thorough investigation. Confirming the fatalities, he revealed that the shooting was initially suspected to be a result of an old enmity between the involved parties. However, it later emerged that a ''love affair'' is said to be the main reason behind the firing incident. 

SP Pankaj Kumar said that the prime suspect behind the firing has been identified as Ashish Choudhary. The accused wanted to marry a girl belonging to the victim's family but they were not ready for this, said the SP. The police have launched a relentless manhunt to arrest him and are conducting continuous raids in the area. 

Tension In The Area

The aftermath of the incident has created a tense environment in the locality, with heightened security measures in place. ASP Pankaj Kumar urged residents to remain calm and assured them that the police are working diligently to bring the culprits to justice.

As the investigation unfolds, the police are trying to ascertain the motive that led to this tragic incident. The community awaits answers, grappling with the shock and grief brought about by the sudden eruption of violence during what should have been a joyous occasion of Chhath Puja.