Araria, July 7 -- Unidentified assailants shot at a man and killed his 12-year-old son while they were sleeping in the verandah of their house in the Mahalgonj area of Araria district, said police.

The minor boy died on the spot, while his father sustained critical injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Purnia, they said. The victims were identified as 40-year-old Maujasin and his son, Abu Aurera (12).

According to the police, the incident occurred in Kakorwa, Ward No. 9, within the limits of the Mahalgonj police station in the district, around 12:30 am on Sunday.

Unknown attackers entered their premises and opened fire. Abu was shot in the head and died instantly, while his father, Maujasin, suffered a...