A Class 12 student was shot dead by unidentified assailants while walking to school in Samastipur district, Bihar, on Monday morning, triggering shock and panic across the region. The victim, who attended Kasturba Vidyalaya, was attacked near her residence in Kejiya village under the Vaini police station limits before she could reach her classroom.

How the Attack Unfolded

According to police, the student had left home dressed in her school uniform when the assailants opened fire, allegedly discharging multiple rounds at close range. She died on the spot. The accused fled the scene immediately after the shooting.

Officers who arrived shortly after receiving information about the incident recovered four spent bullet casings from the crime scene. Preliminary findings suggest the student may have been struck by three bullets, though officials stated the exact number of gunshot injuries will be confirmed only after the post-mortem examination. Her body has been sent for an autopsy.

Forensic Teams and SIT Deployed

Teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the District Investigation Unit (DIU) were summoned to collect forensic evidence and support the ongoing probe. In a sign of the gravity with which authorities are treating the case, the district police are constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a swift and thorough investigation.

Officials confirmed that the probe is being conducted using both scientific and technical evidence, with efforts focused on identifying and arresting all those involved in the killing.

What the Police Said

Sadar-1 Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sanjay Kumar Pandey described the incident as a heinous crime and said the investigation is being treated as a priority. He revealed that information provided by the victim's family has helped police identify a suspect, and raids are currently underway to apprehend the accused.

According to the SDPO, the family has also shared details regarding a possible motive behind the murder, and investigators are pursuing all available leads. However, he clarified that the exact number of assailants is yet to be established and remains part of the ongoing investigation.

Background and Broader Context

The killing has drawn attention to safety concerns for students — particularly girls — commuting to schools in rural Bihar. This comes amid persistent concerns about law and order in several districts of the state, where targeted shootings have occasionally disrupted civilian life. The formation of an SIT signals that authorities are under pressure to deliver an early arrest and prevent public outrage from escalating.

As the post-mortem results and forensic analysis are awaited, all eyes are on whether the SIT can swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible.