Man in audio clip claims shooter’s killing; Muz police yet to verify authenticity

Patna: A new twist has emerged in the murder of notorious shooter Govind Sharma alias Govinda in Muzaffarpur after an audio clip surfaced on social media, in which a man identifying himself as Babul Chaudhary allegedly claimed responsibility for the killing. However, police said that the authenticity of the audio clip was being verified for further legal action.In the audio, the caller claims Govinda was killed over a dispute related to tender and property dealings. He also alleges that Govinda was planning to eliminate him. Govinda, the prime accused in the 2018 murder of former Muzaffarpur mayor Samir Kumar, was shot dead in the Town police station area on Sunday night. He had returned from Patna and was climbing stairs of his apartment when two assailants opened fire, killing him on the spot. Police suspect gang rivalry and personal enmity behind the murder.In the viral clip, the caller is heard saying: “If I hadn’t killed him, he would have killed me. He hatched a conspiracy to eliminate me, so I struck first.” The speaker also refers to the murder of property dealer Ashutosh Shahi, claiming he was falsely implicated in an extortion case linked to it. He alleges that Govinda, Mantu Sharma, Onkar Singh and others were also accused in the case.Muzaffarpur SSP Kantesh Kumar Mishra said six criminal cases were registered against Govinda in the district. Police recovered five live cartridges and six empty shells from the spot, and preliminary findings suggest a 9mm pistol was used in the killing. Two to three suspects have been detained for questioning. “The authenticity of the viral audio is being verified and appropriate legal action will follow,” he said.