Patna: A 20-year-old youth was shot dead near Dambar Bigha village in Nalanda’s Manpur area on Tuesday night, allegedly over a Rs5,000 loan dispute. Police said the victim, Saurabh Kumar, was called out of his home by the accused and later gunned down. One of his friends has been taken into custody for questioning.According to police, the deceased was identified as Saurabh Kumar, son of Ramanuj Sharma of Pawa village under Manpur police station in the district. After post-mortem at Bihar Sharif sadar hospital, his body was handed over to the family. Initial investigation suggests that Saurabh had lent Rs5,000 to someone who called him to settle the debt on Tuesday night. He left with a friend when bike-borne assailants, reportedly lying in wait, opened fire. The friend attempted to intervene but failed.Saurabh’s mother, Urmila Devi, said he received a phone call around 8pm. “He went out with one of his friends in a car, saying he would return soon. Later, we were informed that someone had shot him. He was rushed to Vardhman Institute of Medical Science (VIMS), Pawapuri, but he succumbed to his injuries,” she said. She reiterated that Saurabh had gone out to collect the money he had lent.Police said Saurabh was accompanied by his friend, Mithilesh Kumar, who later informed the family about the attack. Mithilesh told investigators that four bike-borne assailants intercepted them near Dambar Bigha village, snatched the car and his cellphone, and shot Saurabh.Bihar Sharif ASP Nurul Haq said, “The forensic team has collected samples from the crime spot. Family members allege that Saurabh was killed over a money dispute. A special investigation team (SIT), led by Sadar SDPO-1 on the direction of Nalanda SP Bharat Soni, has been formed to probe the case and arrest the accused. His friend, Mithilesh, has been taken into custody for questioning. Further investigation is underway.”
