Patna: Two youths were seriously injured after a dispute allegedly linked to smack consumption turned violent and ended in gunfire near the Adla Shiva Temple under the Naubatpur police station limits in Patna district late on Sunday night.The injured have been identified as Golu Kumar and Nitish Kumar, both residents of Adla village. They were rushed to a private hospital in Bihta by local residents and are currently undergoing treatment. One of the victims sustained a bullet injury to the abdomen, while the other was shot in the arm.According to police and local residents, a group of youths had gathered near the temple late at night and were allegedly consuming smack. During this time, an argument broke out between Golu, Nitish, and a youth identified as Bhuar, a resident of Chakjan village. The altercation quickly escalated, following which Bhuar allegedly pulled out a pistol and opened fire on the two men before fleeing the spot.The sound of gunshots drew nearby residents to the area, who found the victims lying injured. They were immediately taken to a nearby private hospital for emergency treatment.Naubatpur police reached the spot soon after receiving information about the incident and launched an investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the firing may have stemmed from an old rivalry coupled with a dispute connected to the illegal drug trade.Additional Station House Officer of Naubatpur police station, Ranjit Kumar, confirmed the incident and said raids are underway at suspected locations to apprehend the accused. Police are also examining all angles to ascertain the exact sequence of events behind the firing.
