Gopalganj (Bihar): Unidentified assailants shot dead five persons, including three women of a family, and critically injured four others at village Koregawan in Bihar's Gopalganj district today (Jan 13, 2004).

The IG-administration (inspector general), Neelmani, said that heavily-armed persons travelling in a car stormed the village in the Bhore police station area and sprayed bullets on people sitting before a bonfire this morning.

Five villagers were killed on the spot. Four others, who suffered gunshot injuries, were admitted to Sadar hospital where and their condition was stated to be critical.

Senior officials, including IG-Tirhut range, DIG (deputy inspector general)-Sarang, and SP (superintendent of police)-Gopalganj, were camping at the site of the incident.

All entry and exit points of the district were sealed as Special Task Force personnel were combing the area to arrest the assailants.