A key witness in a double murder case in Bihar's Saran district was shot dead on Wednesday, triggering widespread public protests and prompting the police to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the killing.
Witness Gunned Down in Broad Daylight
The deceased, identified as 35-year-old Ravi Kumar, was a crucial witness in the murder of two brothers, Sanjay and Sunil Singh, who were killed in April this year. According to police, Kumar was attacked by unidentified assailants while he was returning from a local market in the Manjhi area. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
“Ravi Kumar was an eyewitness to the double murder and had recorded his statement before the magistrate. His killing appears to be a clear case of witness intimidation,” said Superintendent of Police (SP) Saran, Ashok Kumar Singh.
Public Outrage and Protests
The incident sparked immediate protests by local residents, who blocked the main road in Manjhi for several hours, demanding justice and the arrest of the killers. Protesters accused the police of failing to protect the witness and alleged a conspiracy to shield the accused in the original double murder case.
“We had warned the police that Ravi’s life was in danger. He had received threats from the accused’s family. But no action was taken,” said a local resident, who did not wish to be named.
Police Action: SIT Constituted
Following the protests, the district administration intervened and assured the agitators of a fair investigation. The Saran police announced the formation of a three-member SIT, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rajesh Kumar, to investigate the murder of the witness.
“The SIT has been given a free hand to probe the case from all angles. We are also looking into the security lapses that led to this incident,” SP Singh added.
Background of the Double Murder Case
The original double murder case dates back to April 15, when the bodies of Sanjay and Sunil Singh were found in a field in the Manjhi police station area. The brothers, who were farmers, had been reportedly involved in a land dispute with a local gang. Ravi Kumar, a neighbor, had claimed to have seen the accused fleeing the scene and had provided crucial evidence to the police.
Three suspects were arrested in connection with the double murder, but they were released on bail last month. Kumar’s killing has raised questions about the safety of witnesses in high-profile criminal cases in Bihar.
Investigation Underway
Police have launched a manhunt for the assailants, who fled on a motorcycle after the shooting. Forensic teams have collected evidence from the crime scene, and post-mortem reports are awaited. The SIT has also questioned the family members of the deceased witness to gather leads.
“We are confident of solving this case soon. The accused will not be spared,” DSP Rajesh Kumar said.
The incident has once again highlighted the challenges of witness protection in India, where many key witnesses are often threatened or killed, leading to acquittals in serious criminal cases.
