Protests erupt in Bihar as ex-politician, two others are killed

Patna, Sep 16 : A former politician, a cinema hall owner and a trader have been shot dead in separate incidents in Bihar, triggering angry protests, police said on Saturday.

Surender Yadav, a former candidate in a local body poll was shot dead in Malsalami here; Nirbhay Singh, owner of Uday cinema was shot dead in the city suburb while Kishori Prasad, a bookshop owner was stabbed in Sitamarhi district.

Angry over the killings, residents including shopkeepers protested, blocked roads and burnt tyres in their areas.

In view of prevailing tension, additional security forces have been deployed in the areas, the police said.

Surender Yadav, who contested local body polls, was shot dead in his house late on Friday when he was alone, a senior police officer said.

Unidentified gunmen first shot him dead, then attacked the body with sharp weapons, Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Manu Maharaj said. A probe has been launched.

Nirbhay Singh, the cinema hall owner in Bihta, about 25 km from here, was shot dead by unidentified bike-bourne criminals on Friday evening while he was standing at the main gate of the movie-hall, a police officer said.

All shops will remain closed on Saturday in Bihta bazaar to protest against the killing.

Kishori Prasad was stabbed to death in Sitamarhi when he was on his way to his residence after closing his book shop. Police have detained two suspects, officer in-charge Anil Sharma said.

Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal has slammed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and said: "Law and order has totally collapsed in Bihar. Criminals are free to do whatever they want."