Police team attacked by angry villagers in Bihar’s Sitamarhi after husband of ward councillor shot dead by criminals
Villagers claimed that the liquor mafia was behind the shooting; the SP office claimed that after an earlier firing incident on Baidyanath Mahto, one accused had surrendered before the Court, and proceedings were under way to obtain warrants against the other accused
On September 12, 2026, a team of police personnel in Sitamarhi, Bihar, faced an angry mob after a man named Baidyanath Mahto was shot dead by criminals. Mahto, husband of ward councillor Khushdil Devi, was fatally wounded in Kaitharia village during his morning walk around 6:30 a.m. The assailant fired at Mahto from close range, causing severe injuries to his head and other parts of his body.
Upon learning of the incident, Sitamarhi Superintendent of Police, Amit Ranjan, rushed to the scene to investigate. The villagers accused Mahto of filing a complaint on August 29 against four criminals - Tribhuvan Kumar, Mohammed Ejaz Ahmed, Mohammed Ehsan Ahmed, and others - at Dumra Police Station (Case No. 432/26) for attempting to kill him with intent. However, the police reportedly failed to respond promptly to the complaint.
During the attack, the furious mob also hurled stones, damaging police vehicles. Two officers suffered serious head injuries. The villagers claimed that criminals had shot Mahto eight times, and they staged a protest, blocking the road and questioning the police's inaction. Some villagers suspected the liquor mafia was behind the shooting, as Mahto often protested against the issue in the area.
The police stated that after the shooting on August 29, one accused had surrendered to the court, and efforts were underway to obtain warrants against the remaining accused. A post-mortem examination was arranged for Mahto's body, and an FSL team collected forensic evidence from the crime scene. Footage from nearby CCTV cameras was also being reviewed.
Police authorities suspended the Station House Officer and Investigating Officer with immediate effect for negligence in their duties. Additional magistrates and police personnel were deployed in the area to maintain law and order, and senior officials were continuously monitoring the situation. At present, the situation was reported to be peaceful and under control.
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