Vegetable trader shot dead over monetary dispute in Patna City

Patna: A 35-year-old vegetable trader was shot dead and his 21-year-old brother critically injured after a dispute over unpaid dues escalated into violence in the Patna City area on Wednesday. A bystander also sustained a bullet injury in the incident.According to police, the shooting took place at Musallahpur Haat under the Sultanganj police station area, where a scrap dealer, Vikas Kumar, allegedly opened fire on Sonu Kumar Soni and his younger brother Akash Kumar. Bystanders rushed them to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), where doctors declared Soni dead on arrival. Akash, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, is undergoing treatment. Another injured person, Ankit Kumar, is also being treated. Main accused, Vikas Kumar, and his associate, Sonu Kumar, were arrested soon after the incident, and a loaded pistol was recovered from their possession. During interrogation, Vikas confessed that he owed money to Sonu Kumar Soni. When he approached Vikas to discuss the dues, an argument ensued, and the two brothers allegedly assaulted him. Enraged, Vikas returned with accomplices and opened fire, killing Sonu Kumar Soni and injuring Akash.City SP (East) Parichay Kumar, who visited the spot, said 10 empty cartridges were recovered, confirming that several rounds were fired. “A Forensic Science Lab (FSL) team collected evidence, and CCTV footage helped identify Vikas, leading to a swift raid and his arrest. Preliminary investigation indicates that unpaid dues triggered the confrontation. The accused has been sent to jail, and raids are on to nab the three others involved,” the SP said.Police added that some explosive items were also recovered from the crime scene.