Alipurduar shooting leaves elderly man dead, assailant killed by mob

A shooting took place on Tuesday evening in Samajpara, located in the 13th ward of Alipurduar, resulting in the death of 65-year-old Kaushala Mahato and the eventual death of the shooter. Mahato was shot at point-blank range while sitting in front of a shop. The incident occurred around dusk, and Mahato died immediately at the scene. The assailant, a young man, fled after the shooting, but a crowd of locals pursued him. During the chase, the assailant fired two additional rounds, one of which struck a teenage student. The crowd then caught up with the assailant and severely beat him before he was taken to Alipurduar District Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.

Despite recovering the firearm used in the attack, the identity of the assailant remains unknown. The police have been unable to gather further details about the shooter’s background or motive, and the investigation is ongoing. The police are also working to determine whether the assailant had any prior connections to the local area or if there was any specific reason behind the shooting.

The incident has created widespread fear in the Samajpara area, particularly among local women. Several women have reportedly stopped their daily work due to concerns for their safety. Local residents have raised alarms over the growing sense of insecurity in the neighborhood, and authorities are being urged to take stronger actions to ensure public safety in the wake of the attack.

Additionally, the shooting has raised concerns about the possible rise in illegal arms in Alipurduar. Local business leaders have expressed anxiety over the growing presence of weapons in the area. Officials are now examining whether this incident is part of a broader pattern of illegal firearms entering the region. The investigation into the shooting and potential illegal arms trafficking is ongoing. Police are focusing on uncovering any links to illegal arms suppliers or gangs operating in the area.