Patna: A youth was shot dead during a Mahaviri Akhara procession near Purani Chowk in Gopalganj on Thursday night. Police have launched a hunt for the assailants and stepped up security in the town to prevent any flare-up. The deceased was identified as Vikas Kumar, son of Shiv Ji Prasad and a resident of Purani Chowk under Town police station area.According to eyewitnesses, an argument broke out among some participants during the procession near Purani Chowk. The dispute allegedly escalated rapidly, following which unidentified assailants opened fire. Vikas sustained a bullet injury to the head and collapsed on the spot.Local residents and family members rushed him to Gopalganj Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. News of the killing spread quickly, drawing a large crowd to the hospital. Additional police personnel were deployed at the hospital and other sensitive locations as a precautionary measure.Police teams led by sadar SDPO Prerna Singh reached the spot and the hospital to bring the situation under control. Sadar MLA Subhash Singh and officials also met the bereaved family and assured them of prompt action.Police took possession of the body and sent it for post-mortem. The motive behind the killing is yet to be established. Security has been tightened in and around Purani Chowk, with intensified patrolling and a flag march conducted to maintain peace.The SDPO said police were questioning eyewitnesses and participants in the procession to establish the sequence of events. “We are also examining CCTV footage from the area to identify the assailants. Police teams have been formed to trace and arrest those involved in the murder,” she added.
