Patna, Nov 18 (IANS) A Bihar magistrate posted in Asia's largest cattle fair at Sonepur was shot dead while he was returning home from work, police said Tuesday.

Ram Shaloke Roy was killed by unidentified criminals late Monday night near Hajipur.

"Roy was killed while he was returning from the fair after completing his duty," a police officer said.

A case has been lodged and probe is underway.

The fair is held in an area of 500 acres near the confluence of two rivers - the Ganga and the Gandak.

Animals such as horses, cows, oxen, goats, buffaloes, donkeys, ponies, monkeys, rabbits, bears, cats and guinea pigs are traded at the fair.