Patna: A 26-year-old youth from Bhojpur district had to pay a heavy price for protesting the sale of illicit liquor in his neighbourhood in violation of the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016.

Manoj Patel, the owner of a sweets shop at Shivganj Mor in Ara district headquarters town, was fired upon allegedly by a member of the liquor mafia, Vishal Kumar, and his associates at his residence late on Thursday night.

Manoj was rushed to Ara Sadar hospital for treatment where his condition is stated to be out of danger.

The assailants also fired in the air to create panic among the residents of Shital Tola, where Manoj stays, under the jurisdiction of Ara Town police station.

Manoj had told the police that Vishal had attacked him for leaking information to the police about his (Vishal's) alleged involvement in bootlegging. Vishal was arrested about a month ago in connection with a bootlegging case.

Vishal carried out the attack on Manoj as soon as he stepped out of jail on bail. "The day Vishal was arrested, his goons had opened fire near the Manoj's house to terrorise his family. On Thursday night, a repeat incident occurred," said a close relative of Manoj.

Ara Sadar sub-divisional police officer Sanjay Kumar said he had not yet recorded Manoj's statement. "I can share any information about the case only after the victim's statement is recorded," Sanjay told The Telegraph over phone on Saturday.

Additional station house officer (SHO) of Ara Town police station Barman Singh admitted that Manoj survived the attack as some local residents had chased the assailants away. "The bullet grazed his forehead. It would been fatal had the bullet pierced his forehead," he added.

The additional SHO said Vishal had criminal antecedents. "He is involved in cases of murder, loot and illicit liquor trade. Last month, Vishal was arrested and forwarded to jail on the charge of violating new liquor laws," he revealed.

Bhojpur superintendent of police Awakash Kumar was unavailable for comment.

Police sources said Vishali used to work for the Dhanji Yadav gang in Bhojpur district. "Vishal is absconding after the incident," he added.

Earlier, the station house officer of Bachchwara in Begusarai district was suspended for his alleged links with liquor smugglers. The SHO in question, Sumit Kumar, had released a truckload of liquor after showing it as a case of road accident.