Bihar Man Shot Dead Over Land Dispute in Muzaffarpur, Police Detain Two Suspects
A 41-year-old man was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Garha police station area of Muzaffarpur district, Bihar, late on Tuesday night. The incident occurred while he was returning home with his son after threshing wheat in their field.
Details of the Fatal Attack
The deceased, identified as Harishankar Singh, also known as Hari Bhagat, was a resident of Muradpur village. According to family members, Hari Bhagat and his son were returning from their farm fields when the attack took place near a government school in Muradpur.
Police reported that a tractor loaded with wheat was moving ahead of them, while they followed on a motorcycle. Two men on a bike overtook them, forced them to stop, and opened fire. Hari Bhagat was first shot in the abdomen. His son, Himanshu Kumar, fled to nearby fields to save himself. The assailants then allegedly shot Hari Bhagat in the head before fleeing the scene.
Police Investigation and Suspects
He was rushed to a hospital by locals but was declared dead on arrival. City SP Mohibullah Ansari stated that two suspects have been detained and are being interrogated. “After questioning the suspects and analysing technical evidence, we will soon crack the case,” he said.
Police suspect a long-standing land dispute as the motive behind the murder. They added that Hari Bhagat had earlier reported a threat to his life around nine months ago, naming three people in connection with the land dispute. Further investigation is currently underway.
Political Connections and Demands for Justice
Hari Bhagat was reportedly close to former Bihar minister Ram Surat Rai, who visited the bereaved family and demanded strict action against those responsible for the murder. This connection has added a political dimension to the case, highlighting concerns over law and order in the region.
The incident has sparked local outrage, with calls for swift justice and enhanced security measures in rural areas of Bihar. Authorities are focusing on the land dispute angle, as similar conflicts have led to violence in the past, underscoring the need for effective dispute resolution mechanisms.
