Undertrial gangster shot dead in hospital; Gang rivalry suspected

 

By Sumesh Rajan | July 18, 2025

Patna, Bihar, INDIA: In a chilling display of gang violence, undertrial prisoner and alleged gangster Chandan Kumar alias Chandan Mishra was shot dead inside a private hospital in Patna on Thursday. Mishra, who had been released on parole from Beur Central Jail for medical treatment, was killed in broad daylight by five armed assailants in what police believe is the result of an ongoing gang rivalry.

According to Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikey Sharma, Mishra was facing trial in multiple criminal cases, including several charges of murder. He had been transferred from Buxar to Bhagalpur jail and was admitted to Paras Hospital after his health deteriorated in prison.

Security footage from the hospital revealed that the five assailants entered Mishra’s hospital room, shot him multiple times, and left the premises unchallenged. Shocking visuals later surfaced of three of the accused triple-riding a motorcycle, with one of them waving a firearm in apparent triumph. Mishra succumbed to his injuries shortly after the attack.

Police have identified the main suspect as Tauseef Badshah, a resident of Phulwari Sharif in Patna. He has since been detained. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accused, and raids are being conducted at various locations.

SSP Sharma stated, “Preliminary investigations suggest involvement of the rival Chandan Sheru gang. With assistance from Buxar police, we are in the process of identifying all members connected to the attack.”

Mishra, reportedly involved in over two dozen criminal cases, was known to have deep roots in Bihar’s real estate sector, with law enforcement agencies linking him to multiple contract killings.

The audacious nature of the attack—taking place inside a prominent hospital—has triggered widespread concern over the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Bihar. The killing follows a spate of recent murders across the state, including those of businessman Gopal Khemka, lawyer Jitendra Mahato, and BJP leader Surendra Kewat.

In response to rising crime, Bihar Police’s Special Task Force (STF) has launched a new “Contract Killers’ Cell” to monitor and maintain a database of individuals involved in contract killings. ADGP (Headquarters) Kundan Krishnan said that dossiers, including physical details and photographs of identified hitmen, will be maintained to track their movements even after their release from jail.

So far, police have identified 1,290 individuals believed to have acquired assets through criminal means, and their properties are expected to be seized in the coming days.

The brazen hospital murder has also escalated political tensions ahead of the upcoming state elections. Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD lashed out at the JDU-BJP government, questioning whether “anyone is safe in Bihar anymore.”

“This incident is beyond horrifying. Criminals walked into an ICU and shot a patient dead. Has Bihar regressed to the pre-2005 era?” he asked.

In response, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha condemned the attack and assured that justice would be served. “The Chief Minister has instructed a thorough investigation. The culprits will be arrested and punished,” he stated.

The daylight assassination has become a stark reminder of Bihar’s ongoing struggle with organized crime and has placed the state’s security apparatus under renewed public and political scrutiny.