Mukhiya was shot at 10:30 am as he was about to leave his residence at Kuwatole, Janakpur-11, on a motorcycle. A youth shot him in his chest with a pistol. The bullet pierced his left chest, instantly killing him, a local woman said. [break]
The woman, who refused to be named as she was scared, said a man standing along the road where Mukhiya´s motorcycle was parked shot at him after he climbed on the motorcycle. The incident occurred while the road was crowded with pilgrims who were headed to a nearby Shiva temple to offer water.
Hari Yadav, a local, chased the shooter after Mukhiya collapsed. The shooter was caught a kilometer away with the help of Ram Prakash Mukhiya, another local. The shooter managed to fire another shot even after he was caught. Though the bullet missed Ram Prakash, it caused minor injuries to the left side of Ram Prakash´s stomach. He is receiving treatment at Janakpur Zonal Hospital.
The shooter, whom locals handed over to police later, has been identified as 22-year-old Mukesh Pandit, a resident of Malangawa, Sarlahi. Police took Pandit to the District Police Office. Police said investigation is under way, and refused to divulge further information.
The deceased is survived by his five daughters, two sons, two wives and 75-year-old mother.
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