Armed assailants shot and seriously injured the Mukhiya of Sonbarsa panchayat Sanjay Kumar Mahto, who is also husband of JD(U) state secretary Arti Pradhan, in Sitamarhi district today.
Sitamarhi (Sadar) Deputy Superintendent of Police M N Upadhyaya said the incident happened when Sanjay Kumar Mahto was on a morning walk.
"Two criminals on a motorcycle accosted him and fired from a pistol. Mahto was hit and fell on the ground. The attackers then fled," Upadhyaya said.
The victim was taken to a private hospital where his condition was stated to be critical.
"We are not certain about the motive behind the attack, but two attackers have been identified. Raids are on to arrest them," the DSP said.
Owner of the hospital, Dr Varun Kumar, said, "Mahto has been hit by five bullets. His condition is critical. We are trying our best to save him.
