A JD(U) leader was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in Punpun area on the outskirts of Bihar's Patna, police said on Thursday.
The deceased has been identified as Saurav Kumar.
Another person accompanying him, Munmun Kumar, was injured in the firing, they said.
“The incident took place around 12.15 am on Thursday when Saurav along with Munmun were returning from a wedding ceremony. The assailants fired at them and fled. A search operation has been launched to nab the culprits,” said Kanhaiya Singh, SDPO, Masaurhi (Patna).
Over the incident, JDU leader Abhishek Jha said, “This was an extremely unfortunate, condemnable and sad incident. Our condolences to the bereaved family." He added, "A police team has been deployed at his house and an investigation is going on."
Both of them were taken to the nearest hospital, where Saurav Kumar succumbed to his injuries. The condition of the injured person is now stable, Singh said.
“We have constituted a special team to investigate the case. We have also got certain preliminary leads…” SSP (Patna) Rajeev Mishra said.
Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter, Misa Bharti, arrived in Punpun on hearing the news to meet the victim's family members. Saurav Kumar was a youth leader from Nitish Kumar's party.
The incident sparked outrage among locals, leading to protests and road blockades in the area.
Police managed to disperse the protestors after several hours, officials said.
The incident took place at a time when campaigning concluded in the state for the five Lok Sabha seats ahead of the second phase of polling on April 26.
At least 50 candidates are in the fray in the state, and their fate will be determined in the second phase.
