Bihar Sharif, Oct 16 An excise constable in Bihar’s Nalanda district, initially believed to have been shot dead by liquor smugglers, was killed by a bullet fired from a home guard jawan’s rifle, police said on Friday.
The incident took place near a flyover in the Pawapuri-Giriyak area on Wednesday night when an excise department team, which included constable Ajit Kumar, was chasing a pickup truck allegedly carrying liquor, officials said.
Excise Superintendent Sanjay Kumar Chaudhary said on Thursday that the constable was hit by a bullet fired by liquor smugglers.
However, further investigation found that the bullet was fired from a rifle carried by a home guard jawan accompanying the team, Nalanda SP Hriday Kant told reporters.
“Initially, it was reported that liquor smugglers had fired at the raiding team, killing the constable. However, the investigation found that the bullet was fired from a rifle carried by a home guard jawan accompanying the team. The bullet hit constable Ajit in the head,” Kant said.
The findings emerged from an investigation by a special investigation team (SIT) headed by the Rajgir SDPO.
The probe also revealed discrepancies in the statements of personnel involved in the operation, he added.
The weapon allegedly used in the firing has been seized, and two misfired rounds were recovered. Police are searching for three empty cartridges, the SP said.
The vehicle, seized by police on Friday morning, bore bullet-entry marks at both the front and rear, Kant said, adding that the injuries and other evidence were being examined as part of the investigation.
According to the SP, the excise team had been chasing the pickup truck when it sought assistance from woman sub-inspector Pushpa, who came ahead of the vehicle.
She allegedly attempted to stop the pickup, and aerial firing was ordered during the operation, following which the home guard jawan fired his weapon.
Kant said the incident was not reported to the local police station or senior officers on Wednesday night, when it took place, and there were alleged attempts to conceal evidence.
“The vehicle was taken to Patna instead of being handed over to police, and details of the weapon and firing were not disclosed initially. The conduct of sub-inspector Pushpa is suspicious. She is also suspected of having played a role in concealing evidence,” he said.
Pushpa, two home guard jawans, the driver of the private vehicle used by the raiding party and another constable, Anup, have been arrested in connection with the incident, police said.
(PTI News)
