A violent clash arising from a land dispute resulted in one fatality and left two individuals critically injured in Bihar’s West Champaran district. The incident occurred in Bhitaha Mathiya village under the Bairia police station area, involving members of the same family engaged in a deadly confrontation over a blocked pathway.
Vijay Patel (40) succumbed to severe injuries during the altercation, while his brothers, Akhilesh Patel (38) and Kamlesh Patel (35), sustained serious wounds. The injured parties have been hospitalized at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Bettiah for medical care.
Preliminary investigations indicate a longstanding dispute over land ownership between Suresh Patel and his eldest son, Ajay Patel, on one side, and his other three sons on the opposing side. The situation escalated when a pathway near the residence was obstructed, leading to a confrontation.
Allegedly, Suresh Patel, accompanied by his eldest son and a nephew, assaulted the other family members during the clash using a sharp weapon, believed to be a spear, resulting in the death of Vijay Patel. The accused individuals fled the scene immediately, causing tension in the village.
SDPO Rajneesh Priyadarshi confirmed the incident, stating, “The altercation stemmed from a land dispute, resulting in a fatality. Police are investigating the matter, and efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects.” Authorities noted that the dispute had been brewing for some time, with prior confrontations reported among family members.
An FIR has been lodged under the relevant sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sahita (BNS) Act against Suresh Patel, his son Ajay Patel, and another individual at the Bairiya police station. The deceased’s body has been recovered and sent for a post-mortem examination at GMCH.
Police are actively pursuing their inquiries, and further legal measures will be taken based on the investigation findings.
