A local journalist in Bihar’s Araria district, identified as Vimal Kumar Yadav, was fatally shot at his residence in the Raniganj Bazaar area. The tragic incident unfolded early in the morning when unidentified gunmen knocked on his door, calling out his name, and fired at him when he opened the door. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to express his dismay and promptly initiate an investigation into the matter.
Vimal Kumar Yadav, a 35-year-old journalist, had been working for the ‘Dainik Jagran’ newspaper. Bihar Police have revealed that the incident occurred around 5:30 am when the assailants attacked Yadav. The local police station chief and the Superintendent of Police, Araria, were swiftly at the scene to investigate the matter. A forensics team and a dog squad have also been deployed to assist in the investigation.
Preliminary investigations have indicated that an old enmity with neighbors could be a potential motive behind the tragic incident. Tragically, Yadav’s younger brother, Kumar Shashibhushan alias Gabbu, was killed in a similar manner two years ago. Vimal Kumar Yadav was a key witness in the case, and it is suspected that his murder might be linked to his willingness to testify against his brother’s killer during the ongoing court trial. Yadav had allegedly received multiple threats warning him not to testify.
ADG (HQ) Jitendra Singh Gangwar has raised the possibility that the accused, after reading the charge sheet, believed Yadav’s testimony to be pivotal to the case. This angle will be thoroughly investigated by the police. Yadav’s family has also suggested a connection between the two murders, prompting further scrutiny.
Vimal Kumar Yadav leaves behind a 15-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter, making the tragic incident all the more heart-wrenching. The opposition has seized on the incident to criticize the government, with allegations that democracy is under threat in Bihar. The opposition has condemned the rise in criminal activities and expressed concerns over the safety of citizens, including journalists and police personnel.
As investigations unfold, the tragic loss of Vimal Kumar Yadav underscores the importance of maintaining safety and security for individuals working in the press and upholding the values of democracy.
Sources By Agencies
