Triple Death in Patna's Violent Land Dispute
A shocking sequence of violence in Patna's Gopalpur police station area resulted in three deaths on Monday, including a 65-year-old businessman and his two alleged attackers. The incident, rooted in a massive land dispute valued at approximately Rs 20 crore, unfolded in the Domanchak locality with brutal efficiency.
The Fatal Attack on Businessman
Ashrafi Rai, the elderly businessman, was sitting outside his residence when two men arrived on a motorcycle and began firing indiscriminately. The attackers inflicted multiple bullet wounds on Rai before attempting to escape the scene. Eyewitnesses reported hearing the gunshots that drew immediate attention to the location.
The injured businessman was quickly transported to PMCH (Patna Medical College and Hospital) for emergency treatment. Unfortunately, Rai succumbed to his injuries during medical care, marking the first casualty in this tragic series of events.
Mob Justice Takes Violent Turn
As the two assailants tried to flee the crime scene on their motorcycle, local residents mobilized rapidly. The crowd surrounded the attackers, preventing their escape. According to police accounts and witness statements, the situation escalated when the assailants allegedly attempted to fire at the gathering crowd.
This provocation triggered extreme violence from the mob, who armed themselves with whatever weapons were available. The attackers were beaten to death using spears, axes, bricks, and stones in a brutal display of vigilante justice.
Police Investigation and Evidence
City Superintendent of Police (East) Parichay Kumar confirmed the basic sequence of events, noting that police have obtained CCTV footage from the area and are examining it as part of their preliminary investigation. The police official acknowledged that while the land dispute appears to be the motive, the investigation remains in early stages.
A police source revealed grim details about the crime scene, stating that the bodies of both assailants were found approximately 20 feet apart, suggesting the mob caught and beat them separately. Both bodies showed extensive injuries including crushed heads, multiple cuts on limbs, and marks consistent with attacks by spears and axes.
Investigators have recovered significant evidence from the murder site, including 8 to 10 empty bullet shells, bricks, stones, and spears used in the violent retaliation. Police have deployed heavy security forces in the village and are conducting questioning of local residents to piece together the complete narrative of this tragic incident.
