Patna, Jan. 24: The sudden spurt in crime in the new year has shattered the police claim of tightened nocturnal vigilance.

Three murders over two days last week have put serious question marks over the security claims of the police.

A number of armed robberies have also instilled fear in the hearts of residents of the state capital.

On January 23, 12 robbers broke into the house of Adalatganj resident Yogendra Rai, a driver with Patna High Court, at 11.30pm.

The men murdered Rai’s wife and assaulted him and his wife. The gang decamped with cash and jewellery.

On the same evening, Dharmdev Rai, a former mukhiya of Kurthaul panchyat in Phulwarishariff was shot twice by unidentified persons at Pakri area, under Beur police station.

Rai was rushed to a private nursing home, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Two days before, on January 21, Sheonath Das (50), an accountant with Anupam Prakashan, a publishing house, was shot dead on BM Das Road, under Pirbhore police station.

The incident took place around 10.15pm, after he closed his shop and was on his way home.

On January 11, eight armed and unidentified men broke into the house of one Satya Narayan Singh, a resident of Shah Jehanpur locality under Bikram police station.

The servant of the house was killed and the robbers decamped with cash and three weapons.

On the same night, one Dilip Yadav, an employee of a small hotel on Boring Canal Road, was shot dead by criminals, a few metres from his house on Ram Nath Path under Jakkanpur police station.

The sudden spurt has raised serious doubts about the effectiveness of police patrolling after dark, said a source.

Police stations had earlier been instructed by the headquarters to stay alert after dark, said a senior officer.

Intensive patrolling after sunset and sudden inspections by deputy superintendents were also planned.

Officers were also asked to patrol all areas under their jurisdiction, every half-an-hour, especially in front of liquor shops.

Police maintained that the instructions were being followed to the word.

“There have been incidents in the past week but our men are vigilant. We constantly patrol the streets of the city after sunset,” said an officer.

The officer added: “Officers can be seen patrolling the streets at all times. The incidents are unfortunate but our men are not sitting idle.”

Police also claimed that officers were posted in areas where residents could spot them easily and inform them if any incident happened.

“Investigations are on and we will soon crack the cases. Fresh instructions have been given to step up vigilance in sensitive areas,” said the officer.