Patna, Oct 15 — Armed assailants shot dead Ram Kumar Singh, a 71-year-old retired Assistant Commissioner of the Customs Department, in Ara in Bihar's Bhojpur district, on Thursday.
The incident took place in the Kanakpuri locality near the eastern gate of Jain College, under the jurisdiction of Nawada police station.
According to an official, Singh was shot at close range and sustained multiple bullet injuries.
He was rushed to Ara Sadar Hospital with the help of local residents, but succumbed on the way.
The shooting triggered panic in the neighbourhood, with residents expressing anger and concern over the law-and-order situation.
Singh was preparing to leave for his daily morning walk when the attack occurred.
He had brought his motorcycle out of his house and was locking the gate when the armed assailants arrived and opened fire.
Eyewitness accounts cited in reports indicate that he was hit by eight bullets.
He collapsed at the spot after sustaining critical injuries.
Singh was originally from Lahang Dumariya village under Bihiya police station in Bhojpur district. His father was identified as the late Harvansh Singh. At the time of the incident, he was living at his residence in Kanakpuri, Ara.
After receiving information about the shooting, Sadar SDPO-1 Sushil Kumar, Nawada SHO Kumar Rajnikant and a team from the District Intelligence Unit (DIU) reached the spot and began investigating the case.
A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team was also called to examine the scene and collect evidence.
Investigators are working to establish the motive behind the murder and identify those responsible.
As of the latest available information, police had not publicly established the motive or identified the suspects.
Singh served as the state president of the Shahabad Kshatriya Mahasabha. He was also a trustee of the Ara Nagar Ramlila Samiti Trust and an executive member of the Sanatani Ganga Foundation in Bhojpur. In addition, he was associated with the Red Cross Society and the Rotary Club.
After retiring from government service, he remained active in social and community work.
News of his killing has shocked his associates and local residents. Following the incident, residents expressed outrage and questioned the security situation in the area, particularly because the attack took place near Singh’s home in the morning. They demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible.
Police are continuing their investigation, and further details are awaited as officials examine the evidence and pursue leads.