A local BJP leader was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Bihar’s Sheikhpura village late Saturday night, just days after the killing of businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna.
The victim, 52-year-old Surendra Kewat, was the former president of the BJP Kisan Morcha in Punpun. Police said Kewat was irrigating his field near the Bihta–Sarmera State Highway-78 when four attackers arrived on two motorcycles and opened fire.
Hearing the gunshots, neighbours rushed to the scene and took Kewat to AIIMS Patna. Despite efforts to save him, he died from his injuries. Patna SP (East) Parichay Kumar confirmed that the victim had been shot once, and no shell casings were recovered.
A post-mortem examination is underway. Police said an FIR will be filed after the family submits a formal complaint. Sub-divisional police officer Kanhaiya Singh and Pipra police visited the site to collect evidence.
Local MLA Gopal Ravidas met the bereaved family and promised swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice. He also voiced alarm over the escalating violence in the region.
Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav criticised the state administration on social media, questioning whether anyone in the NDA government was prepared to acknowledge the worsening law and order situation. Referring to the state’s deputy chief ministers, he asked, “What are the two useless BJP deputy CMs doing?”
The incident has intensified scrutiny on the government’s ability to ensure public safety in Bihar.