Bhagalpur Civic Body Chairperson Dies 12 Days After Shooting
Bhagalpur: Rajkumar Guddu, the chairperson of Sultanganj Nagar Parishad, succumbed to his injuries at a Patna hospital on Saturday, 12 days after being critically wounded in a daylight shooting inside the civic body office in Bhagalpur district on April 28. The attack also claimed the life of executive officer Krishna Bhushan Kumar, while the main accused, Ramdhani Yadav, was killed in a police encounter the following day.
Police sources confirmed that efforts are underway to transport Guddu's body to Sultanganj under police escort for the last rites. Family members and locals, who had been fervently praying for his recovery, were left devastated by his death.
Details of the Attack
Guddu sustained multiple bullet injuries to his chest and head after armed assailants opened fire at close range inside the civic body office. He was initially admitted to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital in Bhagalpur before being shifted to a Patna hospital under heavy police security due to his critical condition. Executive officer Krishna Bhushan Kumar, an officer of the Bihar Municipal Service under the urban development and housing department, was shot dead at the scene during the same attack.
The incident occurred during a meeting inside the civic body office in Sultanganj, in full public view. Panic gripped the office as employees and visitors scrambled for safety while the attackers fired indiscriminately.
Investigation and Aftermath
According to police sources, the assailants entered the office disguised as workers before storming into Guddu's chamber. Investigators believe the attackers specifically targeted the chairperson. However, when Kumar attempted to intervene, the gunmen opened rapid fire on both individuals. The attackers reportedly discharged several rounds from close range before fleeing the scene. Guddu was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, while Kumar succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
The main accused, Ramdhani Yadav, was killed in an encounter with a police special investigation team during an operation in the early hours of April 29.
Political and Social Context
Sources revealed that Guddu, who was associated with the BJP, was well-known in local political and social circles. Ramdhani, husband of Sultanganj civic body deputy chairperson Neelam Devi, was allegedly involved in a long-standing dispute with Guddu over personal issues and tenders linked to development projects.
ASP (trainee) and Sultanganj police station in-charge Sayan Raja confirmed that Rajkumar Guddu died at the Patna hospital on Saturday and arrangements were being made to bring the body back to Sultanganj. BJP MLA Rohit Pandey stated that Guddu's last rites would be performed at the Sultanganj burning ghat in the presence of NDA leaders and party workers.
