Mother and daughter shot dead in Patna, husband critically injured

The State capital witnessed a double murder on Monday (June 9, 2025) morning when three unidentified assailants opened fire on a family in Arfabad Colony under the jurisdiction of Alamganj Police Station. A retired nurse and her daughter were killed on the spot, while the head of the family sustained critical bullet injuries.

According to police sources, no arrests have been made so far, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear. The incident occurred around 9:15 a.m., when the assailants arrived on a motorcycle and entered the residence, opening fire on the family.

The deceased have been identified as Mahalaxmi Mehta, a retired nurse of Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, and her daughter Sinthali Kumari. Her husband, Dhananjay Mehta, sustained three bullet injuries to his leg and is currently in critical condition.

Patna City Assistant Superintendent of Police Atulesh Jha stated that an investigation is underway. “The reasons behind the incident are being investigated. However, the initial investigation has revealed an ongoing dispute in the locality. We are keeping all aspects in mind,” he said.

“Alamganj police station received a call at around 9:15 a.m. that unidentified people had opened fire in Arfabad Colony. Following the call, we sent the police team to the spot for verification. We came to know that three people were targeted,” Mr. Jha said.

He added that footage from CCTV cameras installed around the scene is being examined to ascertain the identity and movements of the attackers. “Forensic Science Laboratory and dog squad teams were also called to the spot for investigation,” he said.

Residents in the area reportedly captured a video of the incident showing two helmeted assailants on a motorcycle firing into the air outside the house. In the nine-second clip, the duo can be seen firing three shots. Police are now using the video as a lead in the search for the accused.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal criticised the law and order situation in the State. Sharing photographs of the incident on its official Facebook page, the party posted: “Every day there is a pile of dead bodies in Bihar! BJP and Nitish Kumar are sleeping! This morning in Patna, a mother, daughter and father were shot dead in their house. The mother and daughter have died and the husband is admitted in the hospital in critical condition. Yesterday in Patna itself, a police inspector, his son and nephew were shot dead in a minor dispute.”

Published - June 09, 2025 08:00 pm IST