Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Jul 20: A Class 12 student was shot dead by unidentified assailants while she was on her way to school in Bihar's Samastipur district on Monday morning, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The incident occurred in Kejiya village under the jurisdiction of the Vaini police station. According to police, the teenager, a student of Kasturba Vidyalaya, had left her home in school uniform to attend classes when she was ambushed near her residence.
The attackers allegedly opened fire on the student, hitting her multiple times before fleeing the scene. She died on the spot due to the gunshot injuries.
Police personnel rushed to the location after receiving information about the incident and immediately began an investigation. During the initial examination, officers recovered four empty bullet shells from the crime scene.
Forensic experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the District Investigation Unit (DIU) also visited the spot to gather scientific evidence and assist in the investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest the victim may have sustained three bullet injuries, though officials said the exact number and cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem examination. The body has been sent for an autopsy.
Sadar-1 Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sanjay Kumar Pandey termed the killing a heinous crime and said the case is being investigated on priority.
He said information provided by the victim's family has helped investigators identify a suspect, and police teams have launched raids to arrest the accused.
According to the SDPO, the family has also shared crucial inputs regarding a possible motive behind the murder, and investigators are examining all available leads. However, he added that the exact number of attackers involved has not yet been established.
To expedite the investigation, district police are forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Officials said the probe will rely on both forensic and technical evidence, with efforts focused on identifying and apprehending everyone involved in the killing.