Ex-ML worker shot dead in Bhojpur village

PATNA: A former CPI (ML) activist, Ramakant Ram (40), was shot dead by two of his co-villagers at Nadhi village under the Sahar police station area in Bhojpur district on Monday.
Police said the two armed assailants – brothers Ritesh Rai and Vikesh Rai – intercepted Ram when he stepped out of his house for answering nature’s call around 6.30am.
SHO of Sahar police station Narendra Kumar said an FIR had been lodged against Ritesh and Vikesh, who are absconding.“Ram fell to the ground after receiving two bullets in his chest and abdomen. The accused fled from the spot after committing the crime,” the SHO said, adding Ram’s body was handed over to his family members after an autopsy at Ara sadar hospital.
The SHO said the two brothers probably killed Ram to avenge the murder of their father Surya Narayan Rai. “Ram was arrested in 2000 on charges of killing Surya Narayan Rai. He was sent to jail in connection with the murder in the same year. Ram returned to the village after securing bail from a local court,” the SHO said, adding raids were on to arrest the accused.
Locals, including CPI (ML) workers, staged a protest in the village, demanding immediate arrest of the accused duo.