A violent clash stemming from a protracted land dispute claimed one life and left another injured in Rudrapur on Sunday morning. The incident occurred in Fazalpur Mehrola village under the jurisdiction of the Rudrapur police station, marking a deadly escalation in a conflict that authorities had previously tried to prevent.
Roots of the Conflict: A Dispute Over Five Acres
The fatal violence had its origins in a long-running disagreement over five acres of agricultural land in Fazalpur Mehrola. The primary parties involved were farmers Kashmir Singh from Rampura and Simranjeet Singh from Bigwara village. Due to the increasing tensions between the two groups, the police had already taken preventive legal action under Sections 126 and 135 of the BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) in an attempt to maintain order.
The Fatal Confrontation Unfolds
According to police reports, the situation reached a boiling point on Sunday morning. Simranjeet Singh, accompanied by 25 to 30 associates and labourers, arrived at the disputed plot in eight to nine vehicles. Their intent was to take physical possession of the land. The group began using tractors and started installing boundary pillars.
Upon learning of this, members of Kashmir Singh's family rushed to the spot and raised objections. A heated argument ensued, which quickly spiraled out of control. Rudrapur Station House Officer (SHO) Manoj Ratudi stated that individuals from Simranjeet Singh's side allegedly initiated the violence by firing shots into the air. This prompted retaliatory firing from the opposing group, leading to a dangerous exchange of cross-fire.
Casualties and Police Response
In the hail of bullets, Kartik Potdar (32), a labourer from Viranchi village in Bihar's West Champaran district, was critically wounded. Kartik, who had come to Rudrapur to stay with a relative and was working as a daily-wage labourer due to financial difficulties, was rushed to a hospital. He, however, succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Another individual, Suraj Singh, was also injured and is currently undergoing medical care.
Following the incident, a forensic team conducted a thorough examination of the crime scene, collecting crucial evidence including empty cartridges. The victim's body was sent for a post-mortem examination, and his family has been notified.
District Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manikant Mishra addressed the media, noting, "Preventive action had already been taken in this matter, yet the dispute escalated. A case will be registered, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend all those involved. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and the situation is currently under control."
To prevent further unrest, police presence has been significantly increased in Fazalpur Mehrola and surrounding areas. Simultaneously, raids are being conducted across Rudrapur to locate and arrest the accused individuals involved in the fatal cross-firing.
