Two brothers were shot dead after armed men opened fire at a wedding reception in Patna's Gopalpur police station area late Sunday night. Police say the attack was linked to a long-running property dispute worth several crores. The accused are absconding.
The incident took place in Shahpur village during the wedding of a resident's son. Around 12 armed miscreants allegedly entered the pandal around midnight and fired nearly 27 to 28 rounds, eyewitnesses said.
The victims were identified as Manish Rai (25) and his younger brother Manjit Rai (20). Both were taken to the hospital but were declared dead.
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What happened at the wedding
Guests were having dinner in a field beside the house when the gunmen arrived. They allegedly targeted Manjit first and fired at him inside the pandal. He collapsed on the spot.
The attackers then dragged Manish outside. Eyewitnesses claimed he was stripped and shot four to five times. Panic spread as gunshots rang out. Guests ran in different directions to save themselves.
After the firing, the assailants fled through the field road near the venue. Police later recovered several empty 7.65 mm pistol cartridges from the scene.
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Land dispute behind the killing
Police said preliminary investigation points to a land dispute as the motive. The brothers' father, Raju Rai alias Rajkishor Rai, had a long-standing case with his paternal cousin Krishna Rai.
The dispute involved around six bighas of land reportedly worth Rs. 50 crore. A court ruling last month went in favour of Raju Rai. Police suspect the double murder may have been carried out in anger over that verdict.
Patna City SP (East) Parichay Kumar said the accused have been on the run since the incident. Raids are underway to arrest them. Police are also examining other angles. Further investigation is in progress.
