Excise constable killed in firing during anti-liquor smuggling operation in Bihar’s Nalanda

Patna: An Excise Department constable was killed after suspected liquor smugglers and an alleged accomplice opened fire on an enforcement team in Bihar’s Nalanda district, said officials on Thursday.

Constable Ajit Kumar sustained a gunshot injury during the Wednesday night operation near a highway flyover in the Pawapuri-Silao area.

He was initially taken to Bhagwan Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences (BMIMS) in Pawapuri and later referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for advanced treatment. He succumbed while undergoing treatment at PMCH on Thursday.

The incident has triggered a search operation, with Excise Department personnel and local police working to identify and apprehend those involved.

Excise Superintendent Sanjay Kumar Chaudhary said the Excise Intelligence Bureau (EIB) at its Patna headquarters had received information that a large consignment of liquor was being transported into Nalanda in a pickup van. The vehicle was reportedly travelling along a route near Kharat Mor.

Acting on the information, an EIB team from Patna coordinated with a sub-inspector from the Rajgir Excise Department and local personnel to intercept the vehicle. The teams positioned themselves along the suspected route.

According to an official, when the team attempted to stop and surround the liquor-laden pickup van near the flyover, a person allegedly acting as a scout, or “liner”, for the smugglers opened fire.

Ajit Kumar was hit by a bullet and collapsed with critical injuries. The ensuing confusion reportedly allowed the suspected smugglers and their alleged accomplice to flee.

Fellow personnel rushed the injured constable to BMIMS in Pawapuri, where he received initial treatment.

Given the severity of his condition, doctors referred him to PMCH in Patna.

He subsequently died while undergoing treatment. A post-mortem examination was being conducted in Patna.

The death has left personnel of the Excise Department and the police force in mourning.

Excise Station House Officer Nitish Kumar said the joint operation was being led by a special EIB team that had arrived from Patna.

Following the shooting, Excise Department teams and district police launched searches at suspected hideouts.

Checkpoints have also been established along the highway and nearby routes to trace the suspects and recover the pickup van allegedly carrying liquor.

The suspects remain at large, and efforts are underway to establish their identities and determine the circumstances of the shooting.

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