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Patna Spice Trader Shot Dead as Civil Defence Blackout Began, Police Say Attackers Timed It
India
Published on 15 May 2026
Police clocked the gunshot just two minutes in
A 35-year-old spice trader, Pintu Kumar alias Badka, was shot dead in Patna’s Sultanganj area near Musallahpur Haat during a citywide blackout staged for a civil defence mock drill. The shooting occurred around 7:02 pm, two minutes after the pre-announced blackout began, triggering panic in the market. Doctors declared Kumar dead after he was taken to Patna Medical College and Hospital. Police are probing nearby CCTV footage, questioning residents, and checking motives ranging from old disputes to business rivalries.
- Victim was identified as 35-year-old Pintu Kumar alias Badka
- Gunmen fired a close-range shot around 7:02 pm
- Blackout began at 7 pm for a civil defence exercise
- Police are reviewing CCTV from nearby shops and lanes
- Motive is being investigated, including disputes and business links
- Traders demand stronger patrolling and immediate arrests
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This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
Republic