Late Sunday night, Garda village in the Palamu district, under the jurisdiction of Chainpur police station, became the site of a horrific incident when a group of armed assailants opened fire inside a residence. This midnight assault resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left two others with severe injuries. The victims were identified as Bharat Pandey and Deepak Saw, both reputed for their alleged connections to criminal activities associated with the Bhola Pandey gang operating in Patratu.

Details of the Attack and Victim Status

The injured parties, Anshu Singh (19), son of the late Amresh Singh from Garda, and Mahavir Singh (38), a resident of Pola village in Aurangabad, are receiving treatment at MMCH. Anshu sustained gunshot wounds to both legs, while Mahavir was injured in the arm. They were promptly transported to the hospital post-incident, where their conditions have been described as stable but critical.

Ongoing Police Investigation

Law enforcement arrived at the crime scene shortly after the event, discovering the deceased individuals, Bharat and Deepak, amidst the turmoil. Sadar SDPO Manibhushan Prasad and his team commenced an investigation on-site. Initial findings indicate that Mahavir Singh was visiting his uncle’s residence in Garda village during the incident. Mahavir reported that the attackers invaded the house around midnight and began firing indiscriminately.Anshu Singh, who was alerted by the sound of gunfire, described how he exited the building only to encounter the fleeing assailants, one of whom shot him before escaping. Despite his injuries, Anshu was able to provide critical information that might assist in identifying the attackers.

Fatal Birthday Celebration

Reports indicate that Bharat Pandey and Deepak Saw had been staying at Bharat’s uncle's residence since December 31 to participate in a family birthday gathering. Investigators suspect that the assailants may have monitored the movements of the two individuals for several days prior to executing this well-coordinated attack. The calculated nature of the operation has led authorities to consider it a premeditated act of gang rivalry.Our investigation aims to uncover the motive behind the homicides and identify those responsible,” stated SDPO Prasad. “We are exploring all potential leads, including retaliatory actions from rival gangs.”

Evidence Collected at the Scene

Authorities recovered 25 spent cartridges from the location, highlighting the severity of the assault. Preliminary investigations suggest that the attackers approached the residence via adjacent fields and fled the same way.A motorcycle, believed to belong to the assailants, was found abandoned a short distance from the house.Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas and conducting forensic examinations to gather more evidence.

Gang War Suspected

Both Bharat Pandey and Deepak Saw were notorious figures with alleged links to the Bhola Pandey gang, which is known for its criminal activities in Patratu and surrounding regions. Their presence in Garda village may have drawn the attention of rival gangs or individuals seeking vengeance.A senior officer noted, “The victims’ criminal history and affiliations point to a possible case of gang rivalry. The attackers appear to have targeted them to settle old scores. However, we are also exploring the possibility of personal enmity.”

Panic Among Locals

The attack has left the residents of Garda village in fear and uncertainty. A village that was largely peaceful is now grappling with the repercussions of a violent crime. Local villagers expressed concerns about safety, urging authorities to enhance security measures in the area.This is unprecedented in our village. The gunfire in the dead of night has shaken us all. We fear for our safety and hope the police act swiftly to catch the culprits,” said a local resident.

Police Reassurances

In response to growing concerns, the Palamu police have intensified patrolling and increased their presence in the area. “We are leaving no stone unturned to bring the attackers to justice. Our teams are working round the clock to ensure the safety of residents,” assured SDPO Manibhushan Prasad.

Focus on Victims’ Past

Investigators are delving deeper into the backgrounds of Bharat and Deepak, whose criminal records and gang affiliations are now a focal point of the inquiry. Their connection to the Bhola Pandey gang raises the possibility of them being deliberate targets in a calculated attack.Both individuals were under observation for their involvement in multiple criminal cases. Their association with a notorious gang adds complexity to this investigation,” a police official stated.

Call for Public Cooperation

The police have issued an appeal to the public for assistance. Residents of Garda village and nearby areas have been urged to come forward with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, that could help solve the case.Every piece of information counts. We request the community to support our efforts in identifying and apprehending the culprits,” said SDPO Prasad.

Gang Violence and Its Impact

The double murder highlights the growing menace of gang-related violence in the region. It also underscores the urgent need for stringent measures to address organized crime and protect communities from its devastating impact.While the investigation continues, the families of the victims and the injured are left grappling with grief and fear. The Palamu police are now under pressure to deliver swift justice and restore a sense of security in Garda village.