Shots Fired Outside Khan Sir’s Coaching Centre in Patna: Probe Underway
PATNA, India — Gunfire erupted outside the Khan Sir coaching center in Patna’s Patna Saheb locality on the evening of June 22, leaving at least one security guard injured and sending residents into panic. The incident, which occurred around 7:30 p.m. Local time, has triggered a police probe, with officials suspecting a rivalry angle but declining to name suspects or motives. Witnesses described hearing multiple shots fired in quick succession, followed by a chaotic scramble as people fled the area.
According to multiple reports from local media and eyewitnesses, the shooting took place near the entrance of the coaching institute, a prominent hub for students preparing for competitive examinations like the Civil Services and JEE. Police arrived within minutes, cordoning off the area and evacuating nearby residents, including students and faculty members. A security guard stationed at the institute was treated for injuries sustained during the incident, though hospital officials did not disclose the severity of his wounds.
The coaching center, run by educator Khan Sir (real name: Khan Abdul Wali), has been a focal point for aspirants in Bihar for over two decades. Its reputation for rigorous academic training has made it a target of both admiration and occasional controversy, particularly in regions where coaching institutes operate in highly competitive environments. While no group has claimed responsibility, police sources told The Times of India that initial investigations suggest the shooting may be linked to inter-institute rivalries—a phenomenon not uncommon in Patna’s coaching circuit, where tensions occasionally flare over student recruitment, faculty poaching, or perceived slights.
Patna Police’s Crime Branch has taken over the case, with officials stressing that no arrests have been made. Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar, speaking to India Today, confirmed that forensic teams were examining the scene for evidence, including spent shell casings and potential surveillance footage from nearby establishments. “We are treating this as a targeted incident,” Kumar said, adding that the probe would focus on establishing whether the shooting was premeditated or opportunistic.
The incident has reignited discussions about security measures at private coaching institutes, many of which operate with minimal law enforcement presence despite housing hundreds of students. While some institutes in metropolitan areas like Delhi and Mumbai have private security, Patna’s coaching centers—including Khan Sir’s—rely primarily on local police for protection. The Bihar government has not yet issued a statement, though officials are reportedly reviewing security protocols for educational institutions in the state.
In the immediate aftermath, Khan Sir himself addressed students and staff via a video message, urging calm and reassuring them that the institute would remain open. “Here’s an unfortunate incident, but we will not let fear dictate our work,” he said. “The police are handling the matter, and we request everyone to cooperate with their investigation.” His appeal reflected the institute’s deep-rooted influence in Bihar, where Khan Sir is widely regarded as a mentor figure for thousands of aspirants, many from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
As of Sunday evening, the probe remains in its early stages, with police refusing to speculate on whether the shooting was random or linked to a broader pattern of tensions in Patna’s coaching sector. Meanwhile, students and parents have expressed concern over the lack of transparency, with some demanding immediate security upgrades. The incident also comes as Bihar’s education authorities face scrutiny over the regulation of private coaching institutes, a sector that has grown exponentially in recent years without corresponding oversight.
No further developments were confirmed by local authorities, though police sources indicated that additional witnesses were being questioned. The case remains open, with no timeline set for conclusions.