Gopalganj Police arrest prime accused in attack on Pankaj Tripathi's brother
Synopsis
The prime accused in the near-fatal attack on Pankaj Tripathi's elder brother has been arrested within 24 hours — but investigators say a land dispute and old personal rivalry may have drawn in multiple conspirators from nearby villages, making this more than a one-man crime.
Key Takeaways
Rajesh Sah was arrested by Gopalganj Police on Monday as the prime accused in the assault on Vijendra Nath Tiwari , elder brother of actor Pankaj Tripathi .
The attack took place on Sunday in Belsand village , Barauli block , Gopalganj district , Bihar.
Investigators say the motive stems from an old personal rivalry and a long-standing land dispute .
Vijendra Nath Tiwari is stable and out of danger, currently receiving treatment at a government hospital in Patna .
An FIR has been filed under non-bailable sections including attempted murder ; weapon recovery drives are ongoing.
SP Vinay Tiwari has committed to a speedy trial to ensure timely justice for the victim.
Gopalganj Police on Monday arrested Rajesh Sah, the prime accused in the assault on Vijendra Nath Tiwari, elder brother of Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi, following a targeted operation in Bihar's Gopalganj district. The attack, which occurred on Sunday in Belsand village under the Madhopur police station area, has drawn widespread attention given the victim's family connection to the celebrated actor.
How the Arrest Unfolded
Gopalganj Superintendent of Police Vinay Tiwari constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) immediately after the incident to trace the perpetrators. Acting on intelligence inputs, the SIT tracked down and apprehended Rajesh Sah, who had been on the run since the attack. The operation reflects what police officials described as a swift, intelligence-led response to a high-profile case.
What Investigators Found
During preliminary interrogation, investigators established that the assault was rooted in an old personal rivalry and a long-standing land dispute. Police are now probing whether residents of nearby villages, including Mirhatti and adjoining areas, played any role in planning or executing the attack. A special team led by SDPO-2 Rajesh Kumar is conducting raids at multiple locations based on leads obtained during questioning.
How the Attack Happened
According to the police investigation, Vijendra Nath Tiwari was on an evening walk outside his residence in Belsand village, Barauli block, after dinner when he was allegedly set upon by assailants wielding sticks and sharp-edged weapons. An FIR has been registered at the Madhopur police station under several serious non-bailable sections, including charges related to attempted murder. Police are also working to recover the weapons allegedly used in the assault.
Victim's Condition and Medical Update
Vijendra Nath Tiwari is currently undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Patna. According to officials, his condition is stable and he is reported to be out of danger — a development that has brought some relief to the family and the actor's many supporters across the country.
What Happens Next
SP Vinay Tiwari has stated that the case will be pursued through a speedy trial process to ensure timely justice for the victim and his family. Police authorities have indicated that the investigation is being fast-tracked, with the necessary charges to be filed before the court at the earliest. The focus now shifts to identifying all individuals involved in the conspiracy behind the attack.
Point of View
Raising the uncomfortable question of whether equally swift action follows in cases without a famous family member. The land-dispute motive is a recurring pattern in Bihar's rural crime landscape, where property conflicts fester for years before turning violent. The SIT's probe into potential co-conspirators from nearby villages will be the real test of investigative depth; arresting the trigger-man is step one, dismantling the network behind him is another matter entirely.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Vijendra Nath Tiwari and what happened to him?
Vijendra Nath Tiwari is the elder brother of Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi. He was allegedly attacked with sticks and sharp-edged weapons while taking an evening walk outside his home in Belsand village, Gopalganj district, Bihar, on Sunday.
Who has been arrested in connection with the attack?
Rajesh Sah has been arrested by Gopalganj Police as the prime accused. He was apprehended through a special operation conducted on Monday, following the formation of a Special Investigation Team by SP Vinay Tiwari.
What is the motive behind the attack on Pankaj Tripathi's brother?
Preliminary interrogation has revealed that the attack was linked to an old personal rivalry and a long-standing land dispute, according to investigators. Police are also examining whether individuals from nearby villages, including Mirhatti, were involved in planning the assault.
What is the current condition of Vijendra Nath Tiwari?
Vijendra Nath Tiwari is currently receiving treatment at a government hospital in Patna. Officials have stated his condition is stable and he is out of danger.
What legal action has been taken in the Gopalganj attack case?
An FIR has been registered at Madhopur police station under several serious non-bailable sections, including charges related to attempted murder. SP Vinay Tiwari has said the case will be pursued through a speedy trial process to ensure timely justice.
