Sheohar, October 25
A candidate from the Janata Dal Rashtravadi party and one of his supporters were shot dead during their election campaign in Bihar’s Sheohar, while the suspected attacker was also lynched, police said on Sunday.
Shri Narayan Singh, 45, was killed Saturday night while campaigning in the village of Hathsar in the area of the Puyanhiya police station, they said.
Singh himself had a criminal record and more than three dozen cases filed against him, they said.
Police Superintendent Santosh Singh linked the murder to a “gang war”.
Sheohar Subdivision Police Officer Rakesh Kumar said Singh was shot in the chest.
He was rushed to Sheohar Sadar Hospital from where he was referred to another facility, but he died on the way, police said.
Singh was campaigning when the attack occurred, the SP said.
The alleged attacker was in the crowd walking with the candidate and shot him, he said.
One of the candidate’s supporters was also injured and later died, he added.
The attacker was later beaten to death by the mob, the officer said.
Sheohar’s seat has 15 candidates in the fray, including five independents.
The RJD, the JDU and the LJP have presented their candidates from the seat. The BSP is also challenging.
Police said security in the area has been strengthened and paramilitary personnel have been deployed.
Trihut Range Police Inspector General Ganesh Kumar visited the scene.
Police said Singh’s last rite has yet to be performed.
The constituency will vote in the second phase on November 3.
The Janata Dal Rashtravadi is a registered party. PTI
