Elderly man killed, house torched in Araria land dispute

Patna: A 60-year-old man was killed and a house was set on fire following an alleged land dispute in Bhitha village under Raniganj police station area of Araria district late Friday night. The victim succumbed to his injuries during treatment at GMCH Purnia on Saturday morning, police said.

The deceased was identified as Badri Rishidev, son of late Mangal Rishidev. Police said the family had been involved in an old land dispute with some villagers. Raids are underway to identify and arrest the accused.

According to family members, a dispute over bamboo cutting led to a clash between the two sides on Friday afternoon.

Badri’s niece, Budhni Devi, said, “They threatened to kill us at night, but we didn’t think they would act on it.”

She alleged that around midnight, 10 to 12 assailants arrived on motorcycles armed with sticks and sharp-edged weapons. The assailants slit Badri’s throat with a sharp-edged weapon while he was asleep in the courtyard, leaving him critically injured. They then searched for other family members.

When women and children raised an alarm, local residents rushed to the spot. Before fleeing, the assailants allegedly set the house on fire. Villagers later managed to extinguish the flames.

Badri was initially taken to Araria Sadar Hospital in critical condition and later referred to GMCH Purnia, where he died during treatment. He is survived by his wife, three sons and two daughters.

Raniganj SHO Dharmendra Kumar reached the spot along with a police team, while SDPO Sushil Kumar inspected the site on Saturday morning. Police collected evidence and said all aspects of the case were being examined.

“Action will be taken based on the family’s application and statements. Raids are on to identify and arrest the accused. They will not be spared,” the SDPO said.

Police surveillance has been intensified in the village as a precautionary measure. Local residents have demanded the immediate arrest of the accused, security for the victim’s family and govt assistance.