Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Patna, May 21: A local leader of the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) was killed in Bihar’s Supaul district on Thursday after being run over by a speeding vehicle allegedly involved in illicit liquor smuggling from Nepal.

The deceased, Manoj Kumar, was a grocery shop owner and associated with JD(U). The incident took place in the Ratanpura police station area and triggered tension and anger among locals.

According to eyewitnesses, police were chasing a vehicle suspected of transporting a large consignment of illegal liquor from across the Nepal border when the incident occurred. During the attempted escape, the vehicle reportedly lost control, first hitting a parked tractor before striking Manoj Kumar, who was walking nearby after dropping his granddaughter at school.

Locals rushed the injured man to Raghopur Referral Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries before he could be shifted to a higher medical centre.

The victim’s family, including his wife Pushpa Kumari, an Anganwadi worker, has been left devastated by the incident, which has also sparked widespread anger in the area. Residents have blamed rising cross-border liquor smuggling activity for increasing law and order concerns.

Police said they have arrested two accused persons linked to the case, while another suspect remains absconding. During the operation, officials recovered around 1,050 bottles of country-made liquor allegedly sourced from Nepal.

Preliminary investigation suggests the consignment originated from the Lahi region of Nepal and was intended for delivery in Simrahi. Authorities are now probing the wider smuggling network operating along the border.

A senior police officer from Ratanpura police station said raids are underway to trace the remaining accused and dismantle the illegal supply chain. Investigations into the incident are continuing.