admin@bhaskarnewspaper.com
Katihar, Bihar: A shocking case from Bihar has once again exposed how a love triangle can destroy a family. A woman serving as a Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) in the Bihar government has been accused of conspiring with her alleged lover to have her husband murdered through a contract killer.
The incident took place on July 11, when Dev Kumar Gunjan, an electrical technician, was shot aboard the Jan Sadharan Express in the Mansi railway police station area of the Katihar Rail Division. He later died during treatment. Initially, his wife, Smita Kumari, filed the complaint in the case, but investigators have now identified her as the prime accused.
₹400,000 Contract Killing
According to Railway Superintendent of Police Hari Shankar, the investigation revealed that Smita Kumari, posted as an MVI in Supaul, was allegedly involved in an extramarital relationship with Ajit Kumar, an electrical technician posted in Jehanabad. Police claim the two conspired to eliminate Dev Kumar Gunjan and hired contract killer Raju alias Dheeraj for ₹400,000 (4 lakh).
Following the alleged plan, the shooter boarded the train and opened fire on Dev Kumar on July 11.
Affair Uncovered During Investigation
Police said that Dev Kumar Gunjan, a Grade-1 technician with Power Grid posted at Malapur, Jamui, was traveling to Supaul to meet his wife when he was shot near Badlaghat, shortly after the train passed Mansi railway station.
Using scientific and technical evidence, investigators uncovered the alleged relationship between Smita Kumari and Ajit Kumar, who is currently posted in Gangasarai, Nalanda. Authorities allege the pair planned the murder through a contract killing to remove Dev Kumar from their lives.
Murder Initially Presented as Robbery
Police said Smita Kumari and Dev Kumar were both appointed as Grade-1 technicians in 2017 and married in 2018 in Sitamarhi. The couple has a daughter, approximately 5–6 years old. After their marriage, Dev Kumar was transferred to Jamui, while Ajit Kumar was posted to Nalanda. Smita Kumari was promoted to the post of Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) in 2023 and posted in Supaul.
Investigators believe the ₹400,000 payment was made offline, with Ajit allegedly acting as the intermediary who handed the money to the shooter.
Three Arrested
The alleged contract killer, Raju alias Dheeraj, was arrested from Ghosi in Jehanabad district. Police said Smita Kumari initially attempted to mislead investigators by portraying the shooting as a robbery. However, a joint investigation by the Railway Police and the Special Task Force (STF), supported by technical evidence, uncovered the alleged conspiracy.
So far, three people have been arrested:
- Smita Kumari – Wife of the deceased and MVI officer
- Ajit Kumar – Alleged lover
- Raju alias Dheeraj – Alleged contract killer
Investigation Continues
The case has generated widespread attention across Bihar due to the involvement of a government official and the alleged contract killing of her husband. Police are continuing to investigate the broader conspiracy, including the financial transactions and any additional individuals who may have been involved. All three accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
