SAMASTIPUR, Jan. 20 -- Unidentified assailants shot dead a rural doctor in Samastipur district on Monday night, police said. The victim, identified as Lalit Kumar Sahu (45), was killed in a targeted attack near his house in Sohma village under Bithan police station area.

According to police, Sahu, who used to travel from village to village treating patients, was returning home after attending to a patient when the incident occurred. As he reached an embankment near his house, two bike-borne miscreants intercepted him. One of the attackers reportedly got off the bike, pulled out a pistol and rained bullets on him.

"Three bullets hit him in the head, leading to his death on the spot," police said, adding that seven empty cartridges were r...