On July 11, the Jan Sadharan Express traveling from Mansi to Supaul became the scene of a gruesome crime in Bihar’s Khagaria district. Dev Kumar Gunjan, a Grade‑I technician with the Electricity Department, was fatally shot near Badlaghat station and later died in hospital. The murder was later traced to a conspiracy involving his own wife, Smita Kumari, a Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI), and her alleged lover, Ajit Kumar.

Incident Overview

Gunjan was on the train to meet his wife, who had been posted as an MVI in Supaul in 2023. According to Railway Police, Smita and Ajit hired a contract killer, Raju Kumar (alias Dhiraj), paying him INR 4 lakh to eliminate Gunjan, whom they viewed as an obstacle to their relationship.

Investigation Procedure

The Railway Police, operating under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act, formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Barauni Railway Sub‑Divisional Officer, supported by a Special Task Force (STF). Forensic analysis—including ballistics, digital footprints, and mobile geolocation—identified all three suspects and linked them to the crime scene, nullifying the initial claim that the shooting was a robbery.

Motivation and Societal Implications

Investigators found that Smita and Ajit had joined the Electricity Department together in 2017 and were initially posted in Sitamarhi. After Smita’s promotion to MVI, a romantic liaison with Ajit reportedly blossomed, prompting the decision to remove Gunjan. This case underscores how personal vendettas can spill over into public safety, highlighting the need for stricter monitoring of personnel with access to critical infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

All three accused are now in judicial custody, awaiting trial. The ongoing probe aims to uncover any further conspirators and to assess systemic lapses that allowed the plot to unfold. The incident serves as a stark reminder that personal grievances, when weaponized, pose a grave threat to national security and public confidence.