School Teacher Shot Dead in Bihar; Colleague Accused of Murder
Araria, Bihar | December 4, 2025 | DeccanLive.com
A 24-year-old woman teacher, Shivani Kumari Verma, was shot dead on Wednesday morning in Araria district while she was on her way to school. She was posted at Middle School Kanheli and had joined the service two years ago after clearing the BPSC examination.
Two men on a bike followed her near a Shiv temple, stopped her scooter, and asked her to remove her helmet. As soon as she did, they opened fire at close range. Shivani died on the spot, and the attackers fled on the bike.
Shivani’s Background
Shivani belonged to Haidergarh in Barabanki district (Uttar Pradesh). Her two sisters are also teachers in Bihar—one posted in Patna and the other in Samastipur.
The family reached Araria Sadar Hospital on Wednesday night, where they made serious allegations about harassment and a murder conspiracy.
Family Accuses Fellow Teacher
Shivani’s sister, Julie Kumari, said that a fellow teacher named Ranjit had been troubling Shivani for the past one year. According to the family, he was forcing her to marry him, even though she refused clearly.
They said Ranjit got married three months ago, but despite that, he continued to harass Shivani. The family suspects that he may have planned the murder because she rejected him.
Principal Also Under Suspicion
The family also raised doubts about the school principal, Umesh Kushwaha. They said whenever Shivani complained about Ranjit’s behaviour, the principal protected him instead of taking action.
Recently, when Shivani requested special leave, the principal denied it. The issue reached the District Education Officer (DEO), who reportedly scolded the principal. The family believes he may have had a role in the murder out of revenge.
Police Investigation
Shivani lived alone in a rented room near Maharana Pratap Chowk and later shifted to Hospital Road. She spent most of her free time preparing for UPSC exams.
During the search of her room, police recovered exam books, magazines, notes, and also seized her mobile phone for investigation.
Police confirmed that the attackers came on a bike, followed her, and shot her after making her remove her helmet. A full investigation is underway to identify and arrest the killers.
