Daring Hospital Killing in Patna Exposes Spiraling Cr!me in Bihar

Patna, Bihar: In a brazen attack that has shaken Bihar, five armed men entered Patna’s well-known Paras Hospital and executed a patient in broad daylight, fleeing the scene without fear or hesitation. The targeted victim, it was soon discovered, was no ordinary citizen but the notorious gangster Chandan Mishra of Buxar, already convicted of multiple murders and serving a life sentence.

Room number 209 on the second floor became the scene of the crime as the assailants, confirmed to be led by Chandan’s former associate Sheru, calmly loaded their pistols and shot Mishra dead. The manner of the killing stunned even seasoned officials, highlighting the reach and audacity of Bihar’s underworld.

From Friendship to Blood Feud

Chandan Mishra, hailing from Sunbarsa village near Buxar, and Sheru, real name Omkar Nath Singh from Simri, started as childhood friends with a love for cricket. Their friendship, however, turned deadly in 2009 when, after a dispute during a cricket match, both killed Anil Singh, earning their first stint in juvenile jail. There, they graduated into hardened criminals, emerging to form their own gang which quickly spread terror across Buxar and adjoining districts.

2011 saw a spate of murders as their gang killed as many as six people, including businessman Rajendra Kesari, whose murder was openly announced by Chandan a day before the act, simply for refusing to pay extortion money. Both friends executed the hit together, but the aftermath fractured their partnership.

Split and Rival Gangs

After the Kesari murder, disputes over money and caste dynamics led to the infamous duo forming rival gangs. Both were caught in Bengal following the killing and brought back to Bihar, facing life sentences. Notably, Chandan attempted a dramatic jailbreak by snatching a policeman’s weapon in court and killing him, only to be recaptured later.

While Sheru’s death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, Chandan too served his sentence, remaining a feared figure. On July 2, he received parole for a medical procedure and was admitted to Paras Hospital. His parole was due to end on July 18, but on July 17, five shooters from Sheru’s gang infiltrated the hospital and shot Mishra dead, even as he was still recovering from surgery.

Serious Questions for Bihar Police

The murder in a high-security facility has spotlighted the apparent lawlessness in Bihar. Chandan Mishra was also implicated in a massive jewelry heist at Tanishq showroom in Ara—a crime traced to Sheru’s gang. In response, the state police formed a special “shooter cell” just a day before the assassination, aiming to monitor and curb contract killers and repeat offenders.

Yet, the fatal shooting underlines the deep-rooted challenges the police face. Surveillance footage has captured the faces of the assailants, and the Special Task Force (STF) has taken charge, but public confidence in law enforcement has been shaken.

Political Fallout

The blatant hospital killing has triggered a political storm. Opposition parties have demanded President’s Rule, criticizing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government for losing control, with allegations surfacing that mafia elements operate unchecked.

Even police officials admit the surge in violent crimes during the months of May, June, and July, attributing it partly to the slowdown in agricultural work before monsoon season and young men turning to crime for money.

With weeks left in July and recent trends showing no sign of abating, Bihar is bracing itself for potential further violence. The shocking murder inside a prominent hospital remains a chilling reminder of the unchecked power of criminal gangs in the heart of the state.