Saharsa Police Crack Teen Murder Case, Arrest Five in Revenge Conspiracy
Saharsa police have successfully solved the brutal murder of 13-year-old Ankit Anand, the son of a local lawyer, who was fatally shot by bike-borne assailants while returning from school on February 18. The young victim succumbed to his injuries two days later during treatment at a private hospital, sending shockwaves through the community.
Five Arrested Including Alleged Shooters
In a significant breakthrough, law enforcement authorities have arrested five individuals in connection with the heinous crime. The arrested include two alleged shooters identified as Laltu and Suraj, along with three other key conspirators. Police revealed that the main accused, Pawan Thakur, bore a deep-seated grudge against the victim's father, lawyer Anuj Kumar Nirala, who was representing a case against him.
Murder-for-Hire Scheme Uncovered
According to Saharsa Superintendent of Police Himanshu Kumar, the investigation revealed a chilling murder-for-hire scheme. The main accused allegedly hired two shooters, paying them Rs 1 lakh in cash and promising a motorcycle as additional compensation. The original deal was reportedly fixed for Rs 2 lakh, but when the full amount wasn't available, the arrangement was modified to include the vehicle.
"During interrogation, both shooters revealed that Pawan struck the murder deal," stated SP Himanshu Kumar. "After this, both of them first conducted a recce of the child and then carried out the incident."
Systematic Investigation Leads to Breakthrough
The case saw rapid progress after the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the direction of SP Himanshu Kumar. The investigative team employed multiple techniques to identify and apprehend the suspects:
- Analysis of CCTV footage from the crime scene and surrounding areas
- Technical surveillance and electronic evidence gathering
- Strategic raids across multiple districts
The SIT first arrested Santosh Thakur and Mantosh Thakur from Simraha Ward No. 35. Their brother Pawan Thakur was subsequently arrested from the Mansi police station area of Khagaria district on February 26. The alleged shooters were apprehended later that same night from Bhagwanpur village in the Ratanpura police station area of Supaul district.
Land Dispute at the Heart of the Tragedy
Police investigation uncovered that the murder stemmed from a longstanding land dispute between Pawan Thakur and Bhuvneshwar Thakur of the same village. Bhuvneshwar had filed an attempt to murder case against Pawan, which was registered at Sadar police station in 2020. The deceased's father, Anuj Kumar Nirala, appeared as the advocate for Bhuvneshwar in this ongoing case.
The case is currently being heard under speedy trial provisions, with a strong likelihood of Pawan Thakur being convicted soon. According to police statements, Pawan had requested Anuj to withdraw from the case, but the lawyer refused. This refusal allegedly prompted Pawan to conspire in Ankit's murder as revenge against his father.
Evidence Recovery and Weapon Seizure
On the identification provided by the accused, police recovered crucial evidence from near Sugma bridge in the Banma Itahri police station area. The recovered items included:
- A country-made pistol used in the crime
- An empty cartridge shell from the weapon
The weapon has been seized and sent for ballistic examination to establish definitive forensic links to the crime. A separate First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at Banma Itahri police station regarding the recovery of this illegal firearm.
Community Impact and Police Response
The murder of 13-year-old Ankit Anand has deeply affected the Saharsa community, raising concerns about safety and the escalation of personal disputes into violent crimes. The swift action by Saharsa police in solving the case within days of the incident has been noted as a significant achievement in law enforcement response to serious crimes in the region.
SP Himanshu Kumar emphasized the comprehensive nature of the investigation, stating that multiple investigative techniques were employed simultaneously to ensure a thorough probe. The case highlights the dangerous consequences of personal vendettas and the importance of robust legal systems in resolving disputes without violence.
