3 killed, 2 hurt as rival groups exchange fire in Patna city

Three persons were killed and two seriously injured when two groups of people exchanged fire at Diwan Mohalla in Khajekalan police station area of Patna City late on Wednesday night.

Three persons were killed and two seriously injured when two groups of people exchanged fire at Diwan Mohalla in Khajekalan police station area of Patna City late on Wednesday night.

Police said more than 12 armed criminals reached the house of Rajesh Kumar and fired indiscriminately killing his brother jit Kumar, 20, and tenant Dheeraj Kumar, 18. The family members of Rajesh also returned the fire killing one of the attackers, identified as Dasrath Kumar, 18, the police said. Another brother of Rajesh, Amit Kumar alias Lalu, 16, and Dasrath's associate Satyanand, 24, were injured in the incident, the police said, adding that they had been referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

Police said the attack was carried out to prevent a murder case witness from appearing in the court. They said Rajesh's brother Vijay Yadav was murdered in July last year and his wife Lalita Devi was to appear in the court on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the incident has triggered panic in the area. Police said they were taking all possible measures, including heavy deployment of securitymen, to prevent anytoward incident in the area on Thursday.

Senior superintendent of police Amrit Raj, who visited the site of the incident, said old enmity between the two families appeared to be the reason behind the incident. "We are investigating the case and conducting raids to apprehend persons behind the incident," he said.