Transporter shot dead in Bettiah

BETTIAH: Armed motorcycle-borne criminals shot dead transporter Manoj Gupta (38) on the busy NH-28B passing by Bettiah town on Wednesday evening. SDPO Ramanand Prasad Kaushal said the slain transporter- owner of the city-based Shiv Shakti Roadlines- was stopped opposite Indian Oil petrol pump when he was returning to his Shantinagar residence from his office.
“The assailants chatted with Gupta for a few minutes before firing a single, fatal, shot from close range at his ribcage,” the SDPO said, adding Gupta was declared brought dead at the MJK hospital.
The spot where the murder took place is close to several city hotels and two busy shopping plazas and stores that attract customers in large numbers in the evening.
In the busy traffic on this section of the NH-28, the assailants effortlessly escaped through a lane leading to Shanti Nagar before passersby could realize that a gunshot had been fired.
Seeing Gupta slump to the ground, people rushed to help him reach hospital.
“We are exploring all angles... the deceased’s business associates and his call details may help provide clues,” the SDPO said.