Retired customs officer Ram Kumar Singh shot dead in Bihar’s Bhojpur district

What happened

Around 7 a.m. on 15 October 2026, three masked men on a motorcycle opened fire on Ram Kumar Singh, a former assistant commissioner of customs who was out for his daily walk with his son, Rajesh Kumar. The assailants fired between six and eight rounds, striking Singh multiple times before fleeing the scene near the eastern gate of Jain College in Arrah town, the headquarters of Bhojpur district.

Immediate aftermath

Singh was rushed to Arrah Sadar Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. His son escaped unharmed. Witnesses said the gunmen disappeared into the early‑morning traffic. Within minutes, senior police officers, Superintendent of Police Awadhesh Dixit and Senior Superintendent Sushil Kumar, arrived, sealed off the area and began collecting forensic evidence.

Police response

The Bhojpur SP confirmed that an FIR has been lodged at Nawada police station and that a dedicated investigation team is reviewing CCTV footage from nearby shops and the college. One person has already been detained based on the family’s allegations, and multiple intelligence units have been mobilised to trace the three attackers. "We are not limiting the probe to any single motive and are examining all possible angles," Dixit said.

Possible motive

Singh’s wife, Sushila Devi, told police that a long‑running land dispute may have triggered the attack. The family claims Singh had bought 13 kathas of land in his son’s name and had previously filed a police complaint over threats. While the police have not ruled out the land‑dispute theory, they have not publicly identified any suspect linked to it.

Public reaction

Residents of Arrah gathered outside the hospital and later blocked the Ara‑Patna road, demanding a visit from Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and the divisional commissioner. The protest reflects broader anxiety after two other high‑profile shootings in Nalanda and Bagaha on the same day, which left an excise constable dead and five police personnel injured.

Broader context

The incidents have prompted the state government to reaffirm its commitment to law and order. In a recent statement, the Department of Home Affairs highlighted ongoing security upgrades, including increased patrols in district headquarters and accelerated deployment of CCTV networks.

What’s next

Investigators will continue forensic analysis, interview witnesses and track the motorcycle’s registration. The police have asked anyone with information to come forward, assuring protection for informants. The case remains open, and authorities say they will keep the public informed as they progress.

Why it matters

The killing of a retired senior officer underscores the challenges Bihar faces in safeguarding public figures and maintaining confidence in its security apparatus. The rapid mobilisation of senior police officials and the swift filing of an FIR demonstrate the state’s resolve to address such threats while maintaining public order.