Six injured as mob attacks police team during eviction drive in Bettiah

Bettiah: Six municipal and police personnel were injured after an anti-encroachment drive turned violent in Bettiah town of West Champaran district on Saturday, officials said.The incident took place on Hospital Road near the GMCH Medical College Road when a municipal corporation team, accompanied by police personnel, reached the area to remove encroachments as part of a road-widening exercise.According to officials, tensions escalated after an altercation broke out between civic officials and alleged encroachers. The dispute soon turned violent, with locals resorting to stone-pelting.“District administration was carrying out action for road widening in the town. During the operation, people opposing the move indulged in pushing and shoving with police personnel and then started pelting stones,” Bettiah sub-divisional magistrate Vikas Kumar said.Officials said four personnel sustained minor injuries, while municipal staff member Julum Sah and woman constable Khushboo Kumari suffered serious injuries and were admitted to the GMCH for treatment.Police said one person has been arrested in connection with the violence, while efforts are underway to identify others involved in the attack.Additional police personnel have been deployed in the area following the incident. Authorities warned of strict action against those obstructing govt work or attacking officials.