Ex-customs, excise officials killed, 5 cops injured as major incidents rock Bihar

Bihar witnessed three major crime incidents on Thursday, with a retired Customs officer shot dead in Ara, an Excise Department constable succumbing to gunshot injuries during an operation against suspected liquor smugglers in Nalanda, and five police personnel injured in an attack in Bagaha.The incidents, reported from different districts, have brought the state's law and order situation and the safety of law enforcement personnel into focus.RETIRED CUSTOMS OFFICER SHOT DEADIn Ara, Bhojpur district, former assistant commissioner of Customs Ram Kumar Singh was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants while he was out for his morning walk. The killing triggered protests by locals demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.According to Bhojpur Superintendent of Police Awadhesh Dixit, the incident occurred around 7 am near the eastern gate of Jain College in Ara town. Singh, who was accompanied by his son, was allegedly targeted by masked gunmen who fired seven to eight rounds before fleeing. His son escaped unhurt.Singh was rushed to Ara Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His family told police that he had received threats over land disputes and had previously faced an attempt on his life. "The assailants came on a motorcycle, fired at least seven to eight rounds at Singh and fled the spot. He was taken to Arrah Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead," Dixit said.The police have collected evidence from the crime scene for forensic examination and are examining CCTV footage to identify the attackers.The SHO concerned was suspended over alleged inaction regarding the earlier threats, while one person was detained based on the family's allegations. Police said the case was being investigated from all angles, including possible land disputes.EXCISE CONSTABLE SHOT DEADIn the second incident, Excise Department constable Ajit Kumar died after being shot during an operation to intercept a pickup truck allegedly carrying liquor from Jharkhand to Nalanda.The incident occurred on Wednesday night near a highway flyover in the Pawapuri-Giriyak area.According to Excise Superintendent Sanjay Kumar Chaudhary, the Excise Intelligence Bureau at its Patna headquarters had received information about a large consignment of liquor being transported into the state.A special team from Patna, along with local excise and police personnel, launched an operation and chased the suspected vehicle after it crossed Kharat Mor.When the team attempted to intercept and surround the pickup, the smugglers allegedly opened fire, critically injuring Kumar, before escaping.The constable was taken to Bhagwan Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences in Pawapuri and subsequently referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital, where he died during treatment.Excise and police personnel have launched a search to apprehend those involved.5 COPS ATTCKED IN BAGAHAIn Bagaha, West Champaran district, five police personnel, including Naurangiya Station House Officer Raj Raushan, were injured after a group of locals allegedly attacked a team attempting to arrest two men in a liquor supply case.The incident took place around 10 pm on Wednesday. Raushan said the team had gone to arrest Nagendra Been and Bhulan Been on warrants and managed to apprehend Bhulan Been.Around a dozen people allegedly confronted the team, surrounded the personnel and engaged in a scuffle. The SHO's clothes were torn, and Nagendra Been was forcibly freed from police custody.Police personnel from several stations subsequently reached the spot and brought the situation under control.An FIR was registered, and three people — Raushan Kumar, Pradeep Kumar and Rambriksha Chaudhary — were arrested.The three incidents have intensified scrutiny of Bihar's law enforcement challenges, particularly the risks faced by personnel enforcing the state's prohibition laws.Investigations are underway in all three cases, with police pursuing the suspects in the two shootings and examining the circumstances surrounding the attack in Bagaha.Further action is expected as investigators gather evidence and identify those involved.- Ends