Six police team members among seven arrested in Nalanda cop murder case

Seven people, including six members of a police team, have been arrested in connection with the murder of prohibition constable Ajeet Kumar, 30, in Nalanda. Investigators allege that evidence was concealed and that a false story about an attack by liquor smugglers was fabricated.

Those arrested

The arrested persons are prohibition sub-inspector Pushpa Kumari, home guard constables Rishu Kumar, Deenanath and Sunny Kumar, prohibition constable Anup Kumar, private driver Gaurav alias Nishant, and Shankar Kumar, a resident of Ramkrishna Nagar in Patna. Shankar's role in the case is not yet known.

How the killing happened

Ajeet was killed on the night of October 14 after being hit by a bullet fired from the rifle of a fellow home guard jawan during a chase. To stop a smugglers' vehicle fleeing at high speed, the jawan fired his traditional wooden rifle (musket/.303). The bullet missed the smugglers' vehicle but hit another vehicle belonging to the prohibition, excise and registration department that was moving ahead, killing Ajeet on the spot.

A fabricated attack story

The team later allegedly claimed that liquor smugglers and their alleged facilitators, known as 'liners', had fired multiple rounds at the police party. However, separate questioning by a special investigation team formed under the leadership of the Rajgir SDPO revealed major contradictions in their accounts.

Nalanda SP Hriday Kant said, "On charges of hiding evidence and concocting a false story, woman sub-inspector Pushpa Kumari, two home guard jawans, a constable and the vehicle driver have been arrested. The rifle used in the crime has been seized."

Attempt to destroy evidence

Investigators also found an attempt to destroy evidence after the incident. Instead of handing over the vehicle in which the bullet hit, it was sent directly to Patna. Police recovered the vehicle from Patna in the morning and found clear marks of bullet entry from behind.

Affair speculation

There was prior friendship between Pushpa and Ajeet, which has prompted speculation about an affair. However, Kant said, "It has not been confirmed yet as investigation is still going on."