Bihar: Ex-MLA Escapes Unhurt In Patna Shootout

Around 12 to 15 rounds of bullets were fired in shootout between two groups in Nauranga village in Barh on the outskirts of Patna district.

Patna:Patna: Former Bihar MLA Anant Singh had a close shave in a shootout between two rival gangs in capital Patna on Wednesday, police said.

Patna's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Avkash Kumar said that no loss of life or injury was reported in the incident. He said that 12 to 15 rounds of bullets were reportedly fired in a shootout between two groups in Nauranga village in Barh on the outskirts of Patna district. The matter is being investigated and senior officials have reached the spot," the SSP said.

According to Barh Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rakesh Kumar, the visiting team recovered three spent cartridges from the spot.

"Conflicting versions are coming from the area. We are investigating these. A section of villagers claimed that initially some shots were fired, on the instructions of the former MLA, by his supporters,” he said.

"No one, including the former MLA, has been injured in the incident," the Barh ASP added. He ruled out the possibility of a gang war, and said, "As claimed by villagers, one side fired in retaliation only. It does not appear to be a gang war".

Police have registered a case into the incident based on a complaint filed by a family which claimed that their house was targeted during the firing.

Meanwhile, former MLA Anant Singh took to X over the incident. “What harm can Kaal do to those who are with Mahakaal,” Singh wrote.

Singh further alleged that some “Sonu-Monu” had fired at his associate after which retaliatory shots were fired from his side too.

Talking to reporters, Singh said that a group of poor people from Nauranga village met him and alleged that they were thrown out of their houses by some influential people, who also locked their residences.

"I went to the village in the evening and asked my supporters to open the locks. I also asked my people to call those who had forcibly locked the houses of poor people. When my men reached the home of Sonu-Monu (villagers), they were attacked. Supporters of Sonu-Monu started firing….and my men also retaliated," Singh said. (With inputs from agencies)