Double Murder in Nalanda’s Hilsa Subdivision

KKN Gurugram Desk | Panic gripped the Hilsa subdivision of Bihar’s Nalanda district after two separate incidents of gun violence claimed the lives of two individuals within hours. The twin murders, reported from Nagarnousa and Hilsa police station areas, have sparked fear among locals and raised questions about law and order in the region.

Police teams have been deployed, and investigations are currently underway to trace the culprits. Early evidence in at least one of the cases points to an old family rivalry as a potential motive.

 First Incident: Youth Shot Dead Near Nagarnousa’s Old Police Station

In the first incident, a 26-year-old man identified as Kundan Kumar alias Kailu was shot dead near the Old Police Station area of Nagarnousa. Kundan, a resident of Dibrapar village, was reportedly ambushed and shot by unidentified assailants around late evening.

Eyewitnesses and local residents rushed the seriously injured Kundan to a nearby hospital. However, despite emergency medical efforts, doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.

 Victim’s Family Alleges Revenge Killing Over Past Feud

According to the statement given by Madhuri Devi, wife of the deceased, the murder may have stemmed from an ongoing family feud. She revealed that a few months ago, her cousin-in-law (devar) was abducted and murdered, a case which is still pending trial in court.

She believes that her husband was targeted due to the same old enmity, implying that the attackers may have been part of the rival faction involved in the earlier case.

“This is not random violence. It is cold-blooded revenge for what happened to our family before,” said Madhuri while filing her complaint.

Police Respond Swiftly: Case Registered, Probe Underway

Upon receiving the alert, a team of officers led by Station House Officer (SHO) Pankaj Kumar Pawan arrived at the scene. The area was cordoned off, and forensic evidence was collected.

The police recovered the body and sent it for post-mortem examination at Bihar Sharif Sadar Hospital. SHO Pawan confirmed that a formal FIR has been lodged based on the victim’s wife’s complaint, and six suspects have been identified in connection with the case.

“We are treating this as a targeted killing. A search operation is ongoing to nab the accused. More details will emerge after the post-mortem report,” he said.

 Second Incident in Hilsa: Another Man Shot Dead in Similar Manner

In a separate but equally disturbing incident reported from the Hilsa police station area, another individual was shot dead under mysterious circumstances. Details about the identity of the victim and motive behind the killing are still emerging, but the modus operandi appears strikingly similar — both cases involve close-range gunfire by unidentified attackers.

Locals in the area say they heard gunshots and found a man lying in a pool of blood. Police were informed immediately, and the victim was rushed to the hospital, where he too was declared dead on arrival.

As of now, authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a coordinated or connected criminal act.

 Pattern of Violence Raises Alarm

These back-to-back killings within the same subdivision have triggered widespread panic, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas of Nalanda district. Residents are demanding increased patrolling, better surveillance, and swift justice for the victims.

A local shopkeeper in Hilsa stated:

“This is the second murder in a day. People are afraid to step out after dark. We expect the police to arrest the killers and restore confidence.”

Community leaders have also appealed to law enforcement to increase night-time security and install CCTV cameras at critical points across the subdivision.

 Legal Complications: Past Case Still Pending in Court

The older case involving the abduction and murder of Kundan’s cousin-in-law is currently being heard in court. Family members allege that delays in justice and lack of police action have emboldened the criminals.

Legal experts suggest that the current case could potentially influence the outcome of the ongoing court proceedings, especially if a direct link between the two incidents is established through investigation or witness testimony.

 Crime in Nalanda: A Snapshot

Nalanda, known for its historic significance and educational institutions, has recently seen a surge in violent crimes, particularly in rural pockets.

According to 2024 crime data from Bihar Police:

• Firearm-related homicides increased by 18% compared to the previous year.

• Property disputes and personal enmities remain leading causes of murders.

• Conviction rate in Nalanda district stands at only 42%, raising concerns about the effectiveness of criminal justice delivery.

Political and Administrative Response Awaited

While police continue their probe, no official statement has yet been issued by senior administrative or political leaders. However, sources suggest that the District Magistrate and SP of Nalanda may visit the affected villages soon to assure the families and review law and order arrangements.

Political commentators believe that law and order could become a major election issue in Bihar, especially with incidents like this highlighting weaknesses in rural policing.

As the twin murder cases unfold in Hilsa subdivision, locals are left grappling with fear and uncertainty. With family members alleging revenge killings and pointing to previous cases of violence, the onus is now on the Bihar police and judicial system to bring the perpetrators to justice.