Fatal shooting halts immersion procession; investigation focuses on committee dispute
Patna: A 15-year-old boy was shot dead during an idol immersion procession near Paschim Darwaza under the Khajekalan police station area in Patna City on Wednesday night, police said. The youth, identified as Kundan Kumar, was taken to Guru Gobind Singh Hospital and subsequently referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), where he succumbed while undergoing treatment.
City SP (East) Shaileja said police reached the scene after receiving information about the firing and have begun a detailed probe. Initial inquiries have pointed to a possible dispute among puja committee members associated with the immersion procession, she said.
“Initial investigation has revealed the possible involvement of a committee member. However, a thorough probe into all aspects of the incident is underway, and further legal action will be taken,” Shaileja said.
Police said they are questioning family members and other attendees to establish the exact sequence of events and to identify the person or persons responsible. The shooting created tension at the immersion site and led to a temporary halt in the procession, officials added.
- Victim identified: Kundan Kumar, 15 years old.
- Location: near Paschim Darwaza, under Khajekalan police station, Patna City.
- Immediate action: rushed to Guru Gobind Singh Hospital, referred to PMCH, died during treatment.
- Law-and-order response: police patrolling, questioning witnesses, and an enquiry into alleged committee dispute.
Scene management and aftermath
According to police accounts, the shooting prompted commotion at the immersion site. While some reports suggested that an orchestra trolley was vandalised during the disturbance, police denied these claims. As tension mounted, Patna City DSP Shiv Shankar Kumar reportedly drove the tractor carrying the procession vehicle to the roadside to de-escalate the situation and allow officers to restore order.
Once police re-established control, the immersion was completed peacefully, officials said. Investigators emphasised that while an internal dispute in the organising committee is being examined as a potential motive, all angles will be probed.
| Event | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Shooting | Occurred during idol immersion near Paschim Darwaza |
| Medical response | Victim taken to Guru Gobind Singh Hospital; referred to PMCH; died during treatment |
| Police action | On-site response by Khajekalan police, questioning of witnesses, probe launched |
| Procession status | Temporarily halted; later resumed and completed after order was restored |
Investigation focus and community concerns
Investigating officers said they are looking into whether friction within the puja committee precipitated the violence. The probe will include questioning of committee members, eyewitnesses present at the immersion and family members of the deceased, as well as review of any available footage or physical evidence from the scene.
Local residents and community organisers expressed shock over the death of a teenager during a customary ritual. Idol immersion processions in Patna typically draw large gatherings and involve multiple committees and volunteers; any escalation of disputes during such events can have wider public-safety implications.
City SP (East) Shaileja reiterated that the probe is ongoing and that appropriate legal action will follow based on findings. The police have not yet announced any arrests.
As investigators work to establish motive and responsibility, authorities urged calm and appealed for cooperation from the public and organisers to ensure that religious observances proceed without violence.
