SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Oct 22: Former RJD (Rashtriya Janta Dal) Dhanbad general secretary Arshad Khan, also known as Babla, was shot and seriously injured by unidentified assailants on Monday evening. The attack took place near Clinic Lab on the main road in Naya Bazar, under the jurisdiction of Bank More police station.
The assailants, riding a motorcycle, fired two shots at Khan, with one bullet striking his head. He was immediately rushed to SJAS Hospital, where doctors today confirmed that he was out of danger.
Police investigation underway
The incident occurred at around 7:40 pm while Khan was heading home. The attackers approached from the Rangatand side and fled toward Bank More after the shooting. Police recovered a pistol and two empty cartridges at the scene.
Upon receiving information about the attack, city superintendent of police Ajit Kumar, rural SP Kapil Choudhary, and other officials reached the site and initiated an investigation.
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Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) HP Janardhan informed the media that a search for the assailants is underway, and they are expected to be apprehended soon.
Land dispute a suspected motive
According to an eyewitness, Babla Khan, aged 60, was walking toward his house after parking his bike near Clinic Lab when the assailants opened fire. A land dispute is suspected to be the motive behind the attack.
Khan’s name was also linked to the infamous Wasseypur gang rivalry 44 years ago, in 1980, though he distanced himself from the conflict shortly after.
Political career in RJD
Babla Khan became actively involved in politics in 1989 when Lalu Prasad Yadav became the chief minister of Bihar.
He was also appointed the general secretary of RJD and played a key role in revitalizing the party’s organizational activities.
