Police team attacked by angry villagers in Bihar’s Sitamarhi after thugs shot dead district councilor’s husband

A police vehicle lies overturned on its side in the middle of the road after being vandalized by an angry mob, in Sitamarhi on September 12, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI

Angry villagers attacked a team of police personnel after a man was shot dead by unknown criminals in Bihar’s Sitamarhi on Saturday (September 12, 2026).

The man, identified as Baidyanath Mahto, was the husband of ward councilor Khushdil Devi. The criminal opened fire on him from close range and inflicted several injuries on his head and other parts of his body.

The incident took place in Kaitharia village when the deceased was out for a morning walk around 6.30am. On receiving the information, Sitamarhi Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Ranjan rushed to the spot to assess the situation.

The villagers were said to be upset as Mahto had filed a complaint at Dumra police station (Case No. 432/26) on 29 August against Tribhuvan Kumar, Mohammed Ejaz Ahmed, Mohammed Ehsan Ahmed and other unidentified criminals, alleging that they had fired at him with intent to kill. However, the police allegedly did not react quickly.

The enraged mob also pelted stones during the attack, damaging police vehicles and leaving two policemen with serious head injuries. A large number of villagers gathered at the spot after the firing incident and said the miscreants fired eight bullets into his body. The villagers also staged a protest by blocking the road, questioning the inaction of the police.

The villagers alleged that the liquor mafia was behind the shooting as Mahto was raising his voice against the issue in the area. However, the SP’s office claimed that after the August 29 shootout, one accused had surrendered to the court and proceedings are underway to issue an arrest warrant for the other accused.

According to a press release from the SP’s office, the body has been sent for post-mortem and the FSL team has also inspected the crime scene to collect forensic evidence and CCTV footage of the surrounding area is also being scrutinised.

“Continuous raids are being conducted to identify and arrest those involved in the incident. The concerned Station House Officer (SHO) and the investigating officer of the case have been suspended with immediate effect on charges of negligence in the discharge of their duties,” Mr. Ranjan said.

He added: “Adequate number of magistrates and police personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order and senior police officials are constantly monitoring the situation. At present, the situation is completely calm and under control.”

Published – 13 Sep 2026 04:05 IST