Bihar: Former Katihar mayor shot near his home

PATNA: Unidentified criminals shot dead former Katihar mayor Shivraj Paswan (38) near his house at Santoshi chowk in the town around 9.45pm on Thursday.
Police said Paswan was returning home after attending a meeting when the incident occurred.
Sadar SDPO Amarkant Jha said Paswan was shot thrice from a close range. “Raids are on to arrest the criminals involved in the murder,” the SDPO said, adding Paswan was rushed to Katihar Medical College and Hospital where he was declared brought dead by doctors.
Paswan was elected to the post in April and held it till June.Fresh elections for urban local bodies have been deferred in view of the Covid outbreak. The day-to-day affairs of the municipal corporation are now being run by an administrator.
Panic gripped the town after Paswan’s murder with his supporters thronging the spot and the hospital. The borders of the district were sealed soon after the incident and the police also launched an intensive drive to check vehicles.
Sources said three motorcycle-borne criminals opened fire targeting Paswan from a close range and fled.