Bihar cop killed in Arrah hit-and-run; school bus driver absconding
Synopsis
A Bihar Police Special Branch ASI returning home from a family ritual was killed when a school bus allegedly ran him over on Arrah's Bypass Road. The driver fled, parked the bus, and is still at large — leaving a grieving family, an outraged community, and a police force hunting one of its own killer.
Key Takeaways
Rajiv Ranjan , 42, an Assistant Sub-Inspector with the Bihar Police Special Branch , died in a hit-and-run on 25 May in Arrah, Bhojpur .
A speeding private school bus allegedly struck his motorcycle on Bypass Road under Town Police Station jurisdiction.
Ranjan succumbed to injuries on the way to Sadar Hospital ; he had been returning to Patna after a family ritual.
The bus driver fled the scene and remains absconding ; police have seized the bus and launched a search operation.
Locals and family have demanded the immediate arrest of the driver; an investigation is underway.
A Bihar Police Special Branch officer died after a speeding private school bus allegedly ran over his motorcycle on Bypass Road in Arrah, Bhojpur district, on Monday, 25 May. Rajiv Ranjan, 42, also known as Goldie, succumbed to critical injuries while being rushed to Sadar Hospital, marking a tragic end to what had begun as a routine return to duty.
How the Accident Unfolded
Ranjan, an Assistant Sub-Inspector posted with the Bihar Police Special Branch in Patna, had travelled to his native Baligaon village, Ward No. 9 under Ayar Police Station jurisdiction to attend a Satlehan ritual ceremony following the death of his grandfather on 19 May. He was on his motorcycle heading back to Patna to resume official duty when the school bus struck him on the Bypass Road under Town Police Station, Arrah.
According to eyewitnesses, the bus driver fled the scene immediately after the collision. The driver subsequently parked the vehicle near a private bus stand before escaping on foot. Local residents rushed to assist Ranjan, but he did not survive the journey to hospital.
Police Response and Search Operation
Authorities from Town Police Station, Arrah have seized the school bus and launched a search operation to trace the absconding driver. Investigators are examining the accident site and collecting forensic and witness evidence to establish the precise sequence of events. The probe is ongoing, and no arrest had been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Grief and Anger in the Community
The incident has triggered widespread grief and anger among residents of Arrah. Locals described Ranjan as a dedicated and sincere officer, and many have demanded the immediate arrest of the driver responsible. His sudden death has left both his family — he is survived by relatives including family member Anil Kumar Singh — and colleagues in the police department in deep shock.
Ranjan was the son of Ram Layak Singh. His death comes within days of a family bereavement, compounding the tragedy for those close to him.
What Happens Next
Police officials have stated that efforts to identify and apprehend the driver are continuing. The seized bus is expected to yield registration and ownership details that could aid the hunt. The case is being treated as a hit-and-run under relevant sections of motor-vehicle and criminal law, and authorities face mounting public pressure to deliver a swift arrest.
Point of View
Park the vehicle, and disappear even in a district town. The fact that a school bus was involved raises immediate questions about the vetting and monitoring of drivers ferrying children. Bihar's road fatality record is among the worst in the country, yet accountability for commercial vehicle drivers who flee after crashes remains patchy. If police cannot swiftly arrest the driver of a seized, identifiable bus, the public outrage will be difficult to contain.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Rajiv Ranjan and how did he die?
Rajiv Ranjan, 42, was an Assistant Sub-Inspector with the Bihar Police Special Branch, posted in Patna. He died on 25 May after a private school bus allegedly struck his motorcycle on Bypass Road in Arrah, Bhojpur, and he succumbed to injuries before reaching Sadar Hospital.
Why was Rajiv Ranjan in Arrah on the day of the accident?
Ranjan had visited his native Baligaon village to attend a Satlehan ritual ceremony following the death of his grandfather on 19 May. He was riding his motorcycle back to Patna to resume duty when the accident occurred.
Has the school bus driver been arrested?
No. According to reports, the driver fled immediately after the collision, parked the bus near a private bus stand, and then escaped. Police have seized the bus and launched a search operation, but no arrest had been confirmed at the time of reporting.
What action have the police taken so far?
Town Police Station, Arrah has seized the school bus, launched a manhunt for the absconding driver, and begun examining the accident site for evidence. Authorities are also gathering eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the sequence of events.
What are locals demanding after the incident?
Residents of Arrah have demanded the immediate arrest of the bus driver. They described Ranjan as a dedicated officer and expressed both grief and anger over his death, putting pressure on police to act quickly.
