PATNA: Three people, including the wife of a railway employee and her alleged lover, have been arrested for allegedly plotting his murder by hiring a contract killer who shot him aboard the Jansadharan Express in Bihar’s Katihar Rail District last month.The victim, Devkumar Gunjan, was shot by unidentified assailants on June 11 while travelling on the Jansadharan Express near Badlaghat under the jurisdiction of the Mansi Railway Police Station. He suffered serious injuries and later died during treatment.Police registered a case at the Mansi Rail Police Station on June 12 under Section 309(6) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Section 27 of the Arms Act.Investigators said they relied on technical and scientific evidence before carrying out a joint operation involving the Katihar Rail District police and the STF/STAW-03 unit, which led to the arrest of Ajit Kumar, Samita Kumari and Raju Kumar alias Dheeraj.In a statement, police said, “Based on evidence obtained through technical and scientific investigation, a joint raid was conducted by the Katihar Rail District police and the STF/STAW-03 unit. This resulted in the arrest and interrogation of one Ajit Kumar, Samita (the victim’s wife), and Raju Kumar alias Dheeraj.”Police said Ajit Kumar confessed during questioning that he was in a relationship with Samita Kumari and considered her husband an obstacle.“Ajit Kumar confessed that Devkumar Gunjan was an obstacle in the romantic relationship between him and Samita. Acting on a premeditated conspiracy, Ajit and Samita hired Dheeraj, a contract killer, to shoot Devkumar Gunjan while he was on the train. The victim subsequently passed away during treatment,” police said.The Office of the Superintendent of Police (Rail), Katihar, said Gunjan worked in the electricity department and was posted in Jamui. He was travelling to meet his wife, Samita Kumari, who serves as a Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) in Supaul, when he was attacked.Following the shooting, the Katihar Rail SP formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Barauni Rail Sub-Divisional Police Officer to probe the case. The investigation was closely monitored, and a coordinated operation by the SIT and STF/STAW-03 led to the arrest of the three accused.Police said efforts are continuing to identify and arrest other suspects believed to be involved in the conspiracy.“Intensive investigations and continuous raids are being conducted against the other criminals involved in the incident; they will soon be arrested, the investigation will be concluded, and a speedy trial will be ensured to secure their conviction,” police added.Investigators also revealed that Dheeraj has a criminal history and was previously jailed in connection with cases registered on November 11, 2025, under Sections 109 and 126 of the BNS and Section 27 of the Arms Act. He is currently out on bail, and his criminal background is being verified.During the investigation, police seized mobile phones and SIM cards allegedly used to plan and execute the crime. Further investigation is underway.
