Bihar ASI shot in leg on patrol near Darbhanga shrine; probe launched
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A Bihar Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) was shot in the left leg while patrolling a bushy area near the Chhinnamastika shrine in Darbhanga district on Thursday, 5 November 2026, at approximately 3 pm. The injured officer, identified as Randhir Kumar, was first taken to a local health centre before being referred to a larger hospital for further treatment. The circumstances of the shooting remain unclear, with police yet to determine whether he was deliberately targeted.
Where and How It Happened
The incident occurred in a bushy patch near Pathak Pokhar, a pond lying between Amtahi and Lalpur villages, under Ujan Panchayat in the Saktapur police station area. According to preliminary information, ASI Randhir Kumar was patrolling the undergrowth when a bullet suddenly struck his left leg. The bullet reportedly passed through the limb without lodging inside.
Notably, the other personnel accompanying him were reportedly unaware that a gunshot had been fired. They noticed his injury and immediately arranged for his evacuation to the nearest medical facility.
Medical Treatment
ASI Randhir Kumar was initially rushed to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Tardih. Dr Sumant Kumar Singh, officer-in-charge of the Tardih PHC, confirmed that the ASI had sustained a gunshot wound to the left leg and that the bullet had passed through the limb. After first aid, Kumar was referred to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) for advanced care.
Police Response and Investigation
Saktapur Station House Officer (SHO) Madhulata Kumari reached the site shortly after being informed of the incident and confirmed the 3 pm timeline. SHOs from Benipur and Bajitpur also arrived at the location as police cordoned off the area and began collecting forensic evidence. Senior police officials were expected to visit the site, according to reports.
SHO Arvind Kumar added that Randhir Kumar had taken leave on Wednesday to attend a family ceremony related to his sister before returning to duty. All possible angles are being investigated, he said.
Key Questions Under Probe
Police are examining whether the ASI was deliberately targeted or whether the shooting occurred under other, as yet unexplained, circumstances. The wooded terrain near the shrine — a known area for patrolling activity — has complicated the initial evidence sweep. This comes amid broader concerns about law enforcement safety in rural Bihar, where isolated patrol routes can expose officers to ambush risk. No suspect has been named and no group has claimed responsibility as of the latest reports.