Police officer battles for life after being shot

PATNA - A senior police officer was battling for life here Wednesday after being shot and grievously injured overnight near his house, police said.

Patna’s Deputy Superintendent of Police Sashi Bhushan Sharma was shot Tuesday night at the posh Chajjubagh locality in the heart of Patna while returning home in his official vehicle.

“He was alone at the time of the incident,” a police officer said.

Bihar police chief Neelmani said Sharma was targeted by unidentified criminals but the reasons for the attack were unclear.

Sharma was admitted to the Patna Medical College and Hospital where doctors said his condition was deteriorating.

“He will be shifted to New Delhi Wednesday night,” police said.

Police sources say Sharma, who was in the investigation wing earlier, was involved in several ‘encounters’ — official euphemism for staged gun battles — and this could be a reason behind the shooting.