Two arrested in gas vendor murder case

Patna: Patna Police on Wednesday claimed to have cracked the murder case of gas vendor Indal Kumar (30), who was shot dead near Nasriganj Biscuit Factory turn under Danapur police station area on the night of May 31. Police said the motive behind the murder was a dispute involving a woman. Two accused, including the alleged mastermind, have been arrested within 24 hours of the formation of a special investigation team (SIT).City SP (West) Bhanu Pratap Singh said an SIT comprising the technical team, Danapur SHO Prashant Kumar Bharadwaj and other officers was constituted to investigate the case. Acting on technical and local inputs, police arrested Alok Kumar alias Bappi and Vishwajeet Kumar alias Chhotu, both brothers and residents of Bhojpur district.The country-made pistol allegedly used in the murder was recovered on the basis of the accused’s disclosure. Police also seized a motorcycle and a mobile phone from their possession.Singh said the murder was allegedly planned by Alok. “Both had disputes over a woman. She had been associated with both of them at different times. Alok had grown distance from her and suspected that she was having an affair with Indal. In a fit of rage, he shot Indal dead,” the City SP said.Indal was shot three times on May 31. One bullet hit his chest, another his ribs and the third his left arm. He died on the spot near Takshashila Colony on Nasriganj Biscuit Factory Road.The victim’s brother, Sanjit, had lodged an FIR against Alok and his younger brother Chhotu. Police are investigating Chhotu’s role in the crime.“The woman’s husband died of illness six years ago. Alok lived in a rented house adjacent to her in-laws’ residence and came in contact with her. Indal also knew the woman. The motive became clear during the investigation, and further probe is underway,” Singh added.