28-year-old priest shot dead in Jamshedpur, assailant arrested, police step up vigil

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, April 30: A 28 year old youth, Saurabh Jha was shot from pointblank range in front of his home at Pandit Line under Ulidih police station today at 11 am today.

He was rushed by his neighbor to Tata Main Hospital where he died within half an hour. Saurabh had suffered gunshot injury on his chest.

The deceased, Saurabh Jha was a priest by profession and used to perform sacred  rituals in various places, including  the Ulidih police station.  Incidentally, two of his brothers are in Jharkhand police.

One of his neighbours who rushed the victim to Tata Main Hospital and stayed with him till his death claimed that Saurabh was shot dead by Sonu Mishra.

“As far I understand, Sonu used to bring his pet dog for relieving near Saurabh�s house.� A few days ago the victim had objected to this practice as it was a regular routine for Sonu.�

As a result, Sonu had threatened Saurabh with dire consequences.� Today he shot him from close range and fled,” the neighbour told newsmen.

Immediately on being informed, City SP Subhash Chandra Jat went to the spot of the incident and then to Tata Main Hospital.

He confirmed that the reason behind the shooting was over the deceased�s objection to assailant Sonu Mishra�s dog�s defecating in front of Saurabh Jha�s house.

�After initial probe we have arrested Sonu and also seized the pistol he had used in the firing,” said Jat. The incident took place at about 11 am in the densely-populated Pandit Line in Ulidih on Thursday.