Patna: A sharpshooter from the Dumra police station area in Sitamarhi district is on the radar of the special investigation team (SIT) probing the murder of district welfare officer Shubh Narain Dutt.
The sharpshooter, whose identity the police are not revealing now as it will hamper the investigation, was released from jail recently.
Sources said the manner in which Dutt was attacked hinted at the involvement of contract killers. An investigating officer said a list of suspects has been prepared and evidences were being collected against them.
Sitamarhi superintendent of police Vikas Burman said the SIT has got some clues in the case. "The evidences that have come to the fore are being verified. Action will be taken on the basis of the evidences," he said, adding that the case would be cracked soon.
The SIT visited Dutt's office again on Saturday and talked to some of the employees. Investigating officer Ashok Kumar Das, however, said nothing substantial had come out. The police team also visited the rented accommodation of the slain officer, and analysed the call detail records on his cellphone.
Dutt was killed on Kailashpuri-Bhav Prasad Road when he returning home after evening walk on Thursday evening. An FIR was lodged against unidentified persons at Dumra police station on the statement of Dutt's son, Shailesh Dutt.
Sources said three police teams have been set up by inspector-general (Tirhut zone) Sunil Kumar, who visited Sitamarhi on Friday.
Threat call
Additional deputy collector of Sitamarhi, Braj Kishore Sadanand, has received a threat to his life.
The officer said he had received a threatening call on his mobile phone.
Inspector-general (Tirhut) Sunil Kumar has directed police officers in Sitamarhi to look into the matter on a priority basis. Sadanand had immediately informed the district magistrate, superintendent of police and other officials but no action was taken, sources said.