Patna: Unidentified criminals shot dead a 35-year-old man over an alleged land dispute in Khusrupur police station area of Patna on Thursday. The victim was identified as Aftab Alam alias Mohd Munnu, son of Wali Ahmed, a resident of Lodipur village. Alam, who worked as a car mechanic on Exhibition Road, suffered two bullet injuries to his chest.According to police, the incident occurred around noon when Alam was travelling in an e-rickshaw to the railway station to catch a train. As he reached near Samana Square, close to Infant Jesus Academy on Lodipur Road, two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire, killing him on the spot, before fleeing the spot.Family members alleged that the murder was the fallout of a land dispute. They claimed that the victim had earlier approached the police seeking protection for his life and property, but no action was taken.Police reached the spot soon after receiving information and started investigation. A forensic team was also called to collect evidence from the crime spot.Patna rural superintendent of police (SP) Kundan Kumar inspected the spot and constituted a special team led by Fatuha SDPO-2 to probe the case and arrest the accused. Fatuha SDPO-2 Sanjeev Kumar Singh and Khusrupur police station in-charge Sanjeev Kumar also visited the spot to supervise the investigation. Two empty cartridges were recovered from the spot, and the body was sent for post-mortem.Speaking to the media, the SP said, “The criminals will be arrested soon. We will also investigate the allegations made by the family members. If the victim had submitted any application seeking protection at the police station, it will be thoroughly examined and appropriate action will be taken against the officer concerned.”“Raids are underway to identify and arrest the perpetrators. CCTV footage from the area is being examined to trace the accused,” the SDPO said.
