Criminals shot dead a youth at Khajekala in Patna City on Wednesday evening, minutes after apolice patrol had passed the area.

The Patna police occasionally carry out flag marches in the area. The victim, Rajiv Kumar (24), son of kite trader Jitendra Prasad, was shot dead at the Begum Ki Haveli area. Rajiv had come to Patna a few days back from Delhi to celebrate Rakshabandhan.

According to sources, on Wednesday evening, Rajiv had stepped out of his home saying he would return soon. At 8pm while he was returning home, three criminals on a bike fired gunshots.

Shankar, a resident, said: 'The incident occurred minutes after a police patrol party passed the spot. Rajiv was rushed to Nalanda Medical College and Hospital but he was declared brought dead.' After the incident, there was tension in the area as the murder had occurred in a crowded market area. The Khajekala police, along with Patna SP (east) Vishal Sharma and other officials rushed to the spot.

Sources said though Rajiv was a businessman's son, he had a criminal background and was involved in several criminal activities in the past. Patna SSP Manu Maharaaj said: 'Rajiv had a criminal background as was involved in criminal incidents. He had two cases against him at Bypass police station and one at Parsa bazar police station.'

Sources said the murder was a fallout of rivalries between different gangs in Patna City. The murder of Rajiv once again exposes the worsening law and order situation in state capital. proves that criminals have no fear of police.' Sources said that in the Patna City area, several criminal gangs operate. In the last week of June, a criminal, Ravi Mood, was shot dead at Khajekala. Ravi too was involved in several criminal incidents, including murder, loot and dacoity.