Ramdhani Yadav Gunned Down in Police Encounter
Patna: Ramdhani Yadav, the prime accused and alleged mastermind behind the killing of Sultanganj Nagar Parishad executive officer Krishna Bhushan Kumar and the grievous attack on civic body chairperson Raj Kumar Guddu, was gunned down in a police encounter in the early hours of Wednesday.
The encounter took place around 2:30 am on Wednesday on Bypass Road, approximately 100 metres away from Ramdhani's house. During the operation led by the Special Task Force (STF) of Bhagalpur police, DSP Navneet Kumar and two police inspectors—Parameshwar and Mrityunjay—were injured in the exchange of fire between the criminals and the police team.
According to sources, police on Wednesday took eight people into custody for questioning, including Ramdhani's wife Neelam Devi, deputy chairperson of Sultanganj Nagar Parishad, and his four sons. Bhagalpur range IG Vivek Kumar, along with other senior police officials, is interrogating the suspects amid tight security.
Autopsy and Investigation
After Ramdhani's killing, an autopsy was conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JLNMCH), and the body was handed over to his daughter. Bhagalpur SSP Pramod Kumar Yadav said the police identified the criminals, including the main accused, from CCTV footage. During the police raid to arrest the accused, the criminals allegedly opened fire on the police team. The SSP stated that the police returned fire, and bullets hit Ramdhani's abdomen. Three policemen were also injured in the exchange.
The SSP added, "He died during treatment at the JLNMCH, while the injured policemen are undergoing treatment at the same hospital." Police are verifying the criminal histories of the suspects and Ramdhani. One of the criminals, Dipak, is accused of a past murder, while Ramdhani's brother-in-law, also suspected in the attack, has a criminal history.
The Attack on Officers
On Tuesday, a group of armed criminals, under the guise of workers, stormed into the Sultanganj Nagar Parishad office and shot executive officer Krishna Bhushan Kumar four times from close range inside his official chamber, killing him instantly. During the incident, chairperson Raj Kumar Guddu, a BJP functionary, was also shot in the head and chest. JLNMCH doctors said Guddu's condition remains serious; he was rushed to Patna for treatment.
Government Response
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed shock over the killing and announced Rs 25 lakh aid to the family of the slain officer. In his condolence message, the CM also announced that the mortal remains of the officer would be cremated with full state honour as a mark of respect for his service and sacrifice.
