Patna: Three members of a family – a couple and their daughter – were shot at by two bike-borne assailants in Bihar’s Patna on Monday morning. According to the police, the trio were headed to the market when they were shot at.
The woman, a retired nurse, and her daughter were rushed to the Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), with serious gunshot injuries to their chests and abdomens. The man, identified as Dhananjay Mehta, was injured in the leg. He has also been admitted to the same hospital.
According to some reports, the woman and daughter have succumbed to their injuries, but there is no official confirmation of this.
“The woman Mahalaxmi Mehta was a nurse at NMCH. The three had left home in the morning and were on their way to the market when the incident occurred. It seems that the criminals were keeping a watch on their movements. This does not seem to be a crime for gain. Hence, personal enmity is suspected to be the cause,” a police official said.
A source said that it could be the handiwork of a ‘suitor’ who had been rejected by the girl and her family. “Such things are quite common in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. However, we are keeping all options open. CCTV footage is being scanned. We shall also speak to the injured when their conditions improve,” he said.
A forensic team reached the spot and collected samples, including spent bullet casings. This indicates that at least one pistol – probably a locally-made one – was used by the miscreants.
The incident comes a day after MLA and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav blamed the NDA government in the state for the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar.