Patna: Unidentified criminals stabbed a journalist in Bihar on Sunday night, wounding him critically. This is the fourth attack on journalists in Bihar in the past 15 months.

The incident took place in Maharajganj Bazar locality of Siwan district — the place that witnessed the brutal killing of another journalist last year. The victim, Rajesh Kumar, who worked for a local vernacular daily was returning home when unidentified outlaws stabbed him furiously. He was rushed to a local hospital that referred him to Patna for better treatment keeping in view his serious condition. He condition is still stated to be very critical.

As per reports in the local media, the victim was working as a crime reporter and a few days ago, he had written a story over the molestation of a girl, which apparently angered the criminals. The police are investigating the case.

This is the fourth attack on journalists in Bihar in the past 15 months. In January this year, unidentified gunmen had shot dead a journalist Samastipur district. The victim identified as Braj Kishore Rajesh, 30, was standing before a brick kiln when the criminals fired at from a close range, targeting the upper parts of his body. He died instantly.

Earlier in November last year, journalist Dharmendra Singh, who was working for a Hindi daily, was killed by three motorcycle-borne criminals in Rohtas district. He was sipping tea at a tea stall in the morning when the gangsters shot him dead.

Journalist Rajdeo Ranjan was shot dead by criminals in Siwan district in May last year. The victim, who worked for a prominent Hindi daily, was returning home in the evening after work when the criminals on a motorcycle shot him from close range. Before leaving, the gunmen also fired at his temple to ensure he does not survive.

The killing sparked strong protests in the areas after it was suspected controversial Rashtriya Janata Dal parliamentarian Mohammad Shahabuddin was involved in the killing. The murder case is now being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation.