Senior JD(U) leader shot dead near his house in Bihar’s Katihar district: Police

Police said the leader was standing near his home when the bike borne men reached and fired several shots at his chest and stomach

Senior JD(U) leader Kailash Mahto was allegedly shot dead on Thursday near his home in Bihar’s Katihar district, police said.

70-year-old Mahto was general secretary of the Katihar district unit and also the co-founder of the party. (Representative file image)

70-year-old Mahto was general secretary of the Katihar district unit and also the co-founder of the party.

He was survived by his four sons and wife.

Police said the leader was standing near his home when the bike borne men reached and fired several shots at his chest and stomach. He was soon rushed to the Barari community health centre where the doctor declared him brought dead. The criminals managed to escape after the incident, police added.

Katihar superintendent of police (SP) Jitendra Kumar said, “A police team has been constituted to probe the incident adding those involved will be arrested soon.

According to police officials aware of the matter, the leader had a land dispute with his neighbours.

“We have got some vital clues in connection with the killing” a police officer said adding that an FIR (first information report) is yet to be filed.

Locals had gathered soon after the incident to protest against the police and administration over the lack of prompt action by blocking the Katihar-Barari road.

Meanwhile, the postmortem of the leader was conducted at Katihar district hospital.