An award-winning farmer and nursery operator, Raju Kumar Chaudhary (40), was shot dead in broad daylight at Chakelal village in Muzaffarpur district, Bihar, on Tuesday, in an attack that has renewed concerns over law and order in the state. Chaudhary, who had been honoured by former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his contributions to agriculture, was killed at his own grocery shop when three unidentified assailants opened fire.

How the Attack Unfolded

According to family members and local residents, Chaudhary was seated at his village grocery store, peeling garlic, when three men arrived on a motorcycle. The assailants initially engaged him in conversation under the pretext of buying goods, before allegedly shooting him in the head at close range. The attackers fled the scene immediately after firing.

Panicked residents rushed the critically injured farmer to Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Family's Account

'My father was sitting at the shop counter when three youths arrived, shot him in the head, and fled. He had even been honoured by former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his excellent work in agriculture and nursery management,' said Rahul Kumar, the deceased's son.

Residents of Chakelal village described Chaudhary as a hardworking and progressive farmer who had earned wide respect for his achievements in agriculture and nursery management. His death has left the community in shock.

Police Response and Investigation

Personnel from the Bochaha police station arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and launched an investigation. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has been called to collect evidence from the crime scene.

Muzaffarpur Rural Superintendent of Police Rajesh Singh Prabhakar visited SKMCH and met the victim's family to gather information. Police are examining CCTV footage from nearby locations and probing all possible angles behind the killing.

'Preliminary investigations indicate the involvement of three unidentified assailants. Footage from CCTV cameras in the vicinity is being scrutinised. The police are investigating all aspects of the case, and the accused will soon be identified and arrested,' said Rajesh Singh Prabhakar, Rural SP, Muzaffarpur.

Broader Context: Law and Order in Bihar

The murder has reignited debate over the security situation in rural Bihar. This comes amid a series of targeted killings in the state's districts, raising questions about the protection of ordinary citizens — including those who have earned public recognition. Notably, the fact that Chaudhary was attacked at his own shop, in the middle of the day, underscores the brazenness of the crime. Authorities have not yet established a motive, and the investigation remains at an early stage.