Bettiah: Two persons, including the deputy mukhiya of Bhairaganj panchayat, sustained serious injuries after unidentified assailants opened fire at Kapardhikka village under Bhairaganj police station area in West Champaran district on Wednesday evening. Police have detained two persons, including a former mukhiya, in connection with the incident.The injured were identified as Ashok Das (40), deputy mukhiya of Bhairaganj panchayat and a resident of Kapardhikka village, and Radheshyam Ram (38), husband of a ward member from Ward 6 in Lakshmipur village.According to police, the firing was allegedly linked to an old personal rivalry and a dispute over government welfare schemes. The exact circumstances behind the attack are being investigated.Soon after receiving information, a Dial-112 team and Bhairaganj SHO Sita Kevat reached the spot. The injured were rushed to the sub-divisional hospital in Bagaha.Dr Sanjay Gupta, who was on duty, administered primary treatment before referring both victims to GMCH, Bettiah, due to their critical condition.Bagaha SDPO Nihar Bhushan also visited the hospital and reviewed the treatment being provided to the injured. He said preliminary investigation pointed to old enmity as a possible motive behind the attack.Police later detained former mukhiya Munna Das and another person for questioning. “Raids are being conducted at suspected hideouts to identify and apprehend those involved in the shooting. Local residents are also being questioned as part of the investigation,” the SDPO said.
