PATNA: A home guard died and an excise department officer was injured on Saturday morning in Gopalganj district during a pursuit of a suspected liquor smuggler. The officers were riding a motorcycle when it hit a pothole and skidded. The injured were taken to Gopalganj Sadar Hospital where the home guard, Abhishek Kumar Pathak, was declared dead. Gopalganj SP Avdhesh Dixit said the incident took place around 5am between Sainik School Gopalganj and the Govt Engineering College. “The excise department had received information that a liquor smuggler would be entering from Uttar Pradesh, prompting a team of four officials on two motorcycles to wait near the Balthari check post. When the smuggler approached and sped past, the officers gave chase,” the SP said.. He added, “During the chase, the roads were not visible due to darkness. Hence, the accident took place. Abhishek, who was riding pillion, fell and hit his head on the ground, which proved fatal.”

The SP also clarified that no exchange of fire or physical assault occurred between the smuggler and the excise team. “The smuggler remains unidentified and Vishambharpur police station is conducting an investigation to track down him,” the SP added.