Patna: A key witness in 2024 double murder case of advocates Ram Ayodhya Rai and his son Sunil Kumar Rai was shot dead in Saran district late Sunday night. His younger brother was critically injured in the attack.The incident took place in Methwaliya village under Mufassil police station area of Saran district. Five people were taken into custody for interrogation, police said.The deceased was identified as Pankaj Kumar Rai, 35, son of Ramdev Rai. His brother Manish Kumar Rai (28) sustained a bullet injury and he is undergoing treatment at PMCH.According to the police, the two brothers were returning from a wedding at a relative’s house in a nearby village late Sunday. Miscreants lying in wait near Methwaliya Chowk opened indiscriminate fire on the two brothers.Pankaj was shot in the head and he died on the spot. His younger brother Manish, 28, was rushed to sadar hospital with a gunshot wound and later referred to the PMCH.After the post mortem, angry family members took the body to Methwaliya Chowk and blocked the main road for about two hours, disrupting traffic. They alleged they repeatedly asked police for security earlier, but it was not provided which led to the murder. ASP Rampukar Singh and other senior officers reached the hospital after the incident and spoke to the family.“The family members claimed the murder is linked to June 2024 double murder of advocates Ram Ayodhya Rai, 65, and his son Sunil Kumar Rai, 35, over a land dispute. The duo was shot dead while heading to Chhapra court. Pankaj was a crucial witness in the case and was scheduled to depose in the court soon,” the ASP said.He further said an SIT was formed to investigate the case. Raids are on at houses of suspects, and five people were detained for questioning.“We will ensure immediate arrests. Family members are also being questioned for seek more information,” the ASP added.
