BJP leader's brother shot in Bihar's Saran; condition critical
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bajrang Prasad Soni, younger brother of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jitendra Kumar Soni, was shot by unidentified bike-borne assailants on Thursday evening in Rasulpur village under the Amanour police station area of Saran district, Bihar. Bajrang sustained gunshot injuries to his neck and back and is currently in a critical condition at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH).
How the Attack Unfolded
According to family members, Bajrang was returning home on a motorcycle with his nephew Shobhit Raj after closing their shop. At around 7 pm, as the two neared Rasulpur Middle School, assailants on a motorcycle allegedly gave chase and fired three rounds at them. The attackers fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
Bajrang was initially treated locally before being referred to PMCH, Patna, given the severity of his injuries. The incident triggered panic among residents of Rasulpur village, while family members rushed to accompany the injured man to the state capital.
Police Response and Investigation
Madhaura DSP Savinder Kumar Das and a team from Amanour police station reached the spot shortly after the shooting and launched a probe. Police have since mounted a manhunt to identify and arrest the accused. Shobhit Raj, who was present at the time of the attack, has also been questioned by investigators.
DSP Das stated that police are examining all possible angles and working to bring those responsible to justice, according to officials.
Land Dispute as Possible Motive
Police sources said that Jitendra Kumar Soni and Bajrang Prasad Soni had been embroiled in a land dispute with extended family members. That dispute allegedly escalated into a violent clash in December 2025, during which both brothers reportedly sustained serious injuries.
Notably, those accused in the December 2025 clash were reportedly released on bail approximately 10 days before Thursday's shooting. Investigators are now examining whether the earlier dispute and the fresh attack are connected — though no formal link has been established yet.
Broader Pattern of Violence in Saran
This is not an isolated incident. Saran district has seen a series of targeted shootings in recent months, raising questions about law enforcement capacity in the region. The attack on a political figure's family member adds a layer of sensitivity to the case, with local BJP circles reportedly watching the investigation closely. The coming days will be critical as police work to determine whether this was a targeted hit tied to the land dispute or part of a wider pattern.