In a shocking escalation of crime in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, a brazen daylight shooting targeted a police officer, sending ripples of fear through the community. On Tuesday, near a temple on Bela Road, two bike-borne assailants opened fire on ASI Vikas Kumar, a sub-inspector stationed at Bela police station. The attack unfolded as Kumar and his colleague were pursuing a key suspect in an ATM fraud ring.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos: Kumar took a bullet to the abdomen and collapsed on the spot. The gunman, identified as Pappu Sahni, fired into the air while fleeing, causing pedestrians to scatter in panic. Quick police response from Bela and Mithanpura stations led to a fierce encounter. Sahni, now wounded himself, was apprehended shortly after.
Investigations reveal Pappu Sahni as the son of RJD block president Uma Shankar Sahni from Minaapur. He was the ringleader of a notorious ATM fraud syndicate, long evading capture. A weapon was recovered from the scene, and both the injured ASI—now treated at a private hospital in Bairia—and the suspect, admitted to Sadar Hospital, are under medical care.
Senior officials, including DIG Chandan Kushwaha and SSP, rushed to the site. Kushwaha confirmed the shooter’s involvement in cyber fraud and prior ATM scams. ‘The criminal fired upon seeing the police vehicle,’ he stated. This incident underscores the growing audacity of fraud networks challenging law enforcement. Probe continues to dismantle the entire gang.