Police Probe Shooting that Turned Wedding Celebration into Mourning in Bihar

Law enforcement officials in Madhepura are probing a shocking incident that transformed a joyous wedding preparation into a scene of grief. On the morning of June 30, residents of Alamanagar’s Ward‑14 heard pistol shots from a house where the two sons of shopkeeper Naval Kishore Bhagat were staying.

Forensic teams recovered a traditional wooden gunstock, identified as the weapon used in the crime. According to statements gathered at the scene, 35‑year‑old Pankaj Kumar first fired at his younger brother Chotu, who was asleep, killing him instantly. He then turned the gun on himself, ending his own life.

The victims were slated to attend the upcoming wedding of Chotu Kumar, scheduled for July 8. The family had just completed the tilak‑phaldan ceremony a few days earlier, and preparations for guests, decorations, and feasts were underway.

Relatives have reported a marked change in Pankaj’s demeanor after their mother’s death, describing him as withdrawn and irritable. Some claim he performed a brief ritual prayer in front of a family photograph before the shooting, but police have not yet verified these allegations.

Senior Deputy Superintendent of Police (SDPO) Avinash Kumar has taken charge of the investigation, ordering a post‑mortem, a detailed forensic analysis, and extensive interrogations of neighbors and family members. The motive behind the murder‑suicide remains unclear, and investigators are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.