Ward councillor killed, three critically injured in knife attack in Bihar's Saran

PATNA: A ward councillor was killed and three others sustained critical injuries in a knife attack following a violent clash in Bihar’s Saran district, police said on Saturday.

The incident occurred in the Manjhi area around 11.30 p.m. on Friday and has triggered shock and tension across the locality.

The deceased has been identified as Raja Babu Thakur, the Ward Councillor of Ward No. 9 from Godha village under Manjhi Nagar Panchayat in Chhapra.

The festive atmosphere of a Tilakotsav ceremony turned tragic when a dispute with neighbours escalated into a violent brawl. The incident took place late in the evening during preparations for the ceremony.

What began as a heated argument soon spiralled into a brutal knife attack, leaving four people critically injured, including the ward councillor.

All the injured were initially taken to the Manjhi Community Health Centre (CHC). However, due to their critical condition, they were referred to Chhapra Sadar Hospital. Raja Babu Thakur succumbed to his injuries around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday while being shifted for treatment.

The deceased’s cousins, Mukesh Thakur, Ritesh Thakur, and one more individual were also seriously injured in the knife attack and are currently undergoing treatment at Chhapra Sadar Hospital.

The incident has caused widespread outrage, particularly as it occurred in a home decorated for a Tilakotsav ceremony, with tents, marquees, and celebratory music -- turning a moment of joy into one of grief.