Ex-BJP leader Surendra Kumar, local businessman shot dead in separate incidents in Bihar; Opposition parties slam government

As the murder of industrialist Gopal Khemka is still fresh in the minds of the people, the criminals again targeted two people in Bihar last night. Waseem Anwar Khan, a local businessman, was shot dead by three unidentified assailants in Sitamarhi, whereas a former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Surendra Kumar, was shot dead by the criminals in Patna district.

Sharing the details Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Ranjan issued a press statement on Sunday (July 13, 2025) saying that one person has been detained and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed.

“Wasim Anwar Khan alias Puttu Khan was shot by three unknown criminals under Mehsaul police station at around 9 PM last night. As soon as the incident was reported, the local Station House Officer (SHO), Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), and Superintendent of Police (SP) reached the spot. Seriously injured Wasim Khan was immediately sent to the hospital for treatment, where he died during treatment, “he stated.

The forensic team has seized a 9 mm cartridge shell from the spot. At the same time, a 9 mm pistol and a cap were recovered at some distance from the spot while the criminals were fleeing, which have been seized for forensic investigation.

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“Footage of CCTV cameras installed around the spot is being scanned so that the accused can be identified. In the preliminary investigation, this case seems to be related to land and money transactions. The deceased were involved in the business of buying and selling land,” Mr. Ranjan said.

He further said, “In this case, one person has been taken into custody and interrogation has been started. In view of the seriousness of the incident, a SIT has been formed. Continuous efforts are being made for the early arrest of the accused.”

On the other hand, under Pipra Police Station criminals opened fire at Surendra Kumar who was a farmer when he was out at his field to check the irrigation. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) where he died during the treatment. He was earlier president of Kishan Morcha in BJP from Punpun area of Patna district.

“Police received the information and took prompt action and reached the hospital to gather details, where it was confirmed that passed away during treatment. Considering the seriousness of the case, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer Masaurhi-2 visited the incident site and collected evidence with the assistance of the FSL team. Further action is being taken in the incident and soon the criminals would be arrested, “Parichay Kumar SP (East) Patna.

In both murder cases no arrest has been made by the police.

Opposition slammed the Bihar government over poor law and order. Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav posted a message on social media platform X saying, “And now, a BJP leader shot dead in Patna! What to say, and to whom? Is there anyone in the NDA government willing to listen to the truth or admit their mistakes? Everyone knows about the CM’s health, but what are the two useless BJP deputy chief ministers doing?”

CPI-ML General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya while addressing a traders conference in Patna on Sunday stressed that an atmosphere of peace, harmony and brotherhood is essential for business but today, crime, madness and anarchy prevail in the society, which is extremely fatal for the business community.

Mr. Bhattacharya also said that there is a need for change in Bihar and for this the present government will have to be changed. He termed the double engine government as ‘double bulldozer’ and said that this government is becoming an obstacle in the path of development.