Patna Police have arrested eight individuals linked to the murder of Advocate Jitendra Kumar Mehta, who was shot dead in broad daylight while returning home after tea. Mehta, who sustained three gunshot wounds, later died during treatment.
“Within 48 hours, we apprehended eight accused involved in the killing. The primary conspirator is the victim’s elder daughter’s husband, Sonu,” said Senior Superintendent of Police Kartik K Sharma. Authorities recovered firearms, ammunition, and the stolen motorcycle used in the crime.
According to police, Sonu—whose legal name is Mohammad Shoaib—enlisted the help of two associates, Akash (also known as Kanu) and Mohammad Ali, to plan the attack. They then hired shooters Niranjan Kumar and Aditya Kumar. On the day of the incident, Aditya fired at Mehta while Niranjan drove the getaway bike.
Investigators revealed that Mehta had opposed his daughter’s marriage to Sonu. Following a heated argument days earlier, Sonu allegedly decided to have his father-in-law killed.
Mehta’s elder daughter had married Sonu in a court ceremony in 2022. She later discovered he was already married with children. After initial cohabitation, she moved back to her parents’ home due to her father’s objections but continued expressing her wish to live with Sonu.
So far, police have not found evidence implicating the daughter in the murder. The investigation remains ongoing.