Patna, Jan 17: At least five persons were killed in a gunbattle following an attack on the house of an independent Bihar MLA from Rupauli, Vibha Devi at Bhitta village in Purnea district late last night, police said.Director General of police, R R Prasad, said criminals belonging to the dreaded Shanker Singh gang attacked the house of the MLA, who is the wife of another notorious ganglord Avadhes Singh.In the exchange of fire, four persons were killed on the spot, while an unidentified bullet-riddled body was recovered from a place two km from Bhitta.Prasad said the assailants while retreating set afire nearly 60 houses of MLA's supporters at adjoining Ramdiari village. Those killed have been identified as Loke Thakur, BhagwanMandal, Hari Sao and Radheshyam Sao.The DIG and police superintendent are supervising raids to apprehend the culprits, Prasad said, adding one company of the Bihar Military Police has been rushed to the spot.
