A 70-year-old woman was allegedly beaten to death with a ‘lota’ (a globular water pot), while her husband sustained injuries in Samastipur district, following a dispute over cutting a mango tree. The incident took place in Sohma ward number 9, under Bithan police station area, late on Sunday night.
Victim and Accused Details
The deceased has been identified as Sagar Devi. Her husband, Madan Yadav, was also injured in the assault. According to the victim’s grandson, Sonu Kumar, a mango tree stood on his grandfather’s share of land. He alleged that their relative Stuti Kumari and her mother-in-law had the tree chopped during the night. “When my grandfather Madan Yadav protested, Stuti attacked him with a ‘lota’,” Sonu Kumar said.
Altercation and Fatal Blow
During the altercation, Sagar Devi tried to intervene and was allegedly struck on the head with the ‘lota’. Both Sagar and Madan suffered severe injuries. Family members rushed to the spot after hearing the commotion, but the accused had already fled the scene.
Medical Response and Death
With the help of villagers, the injured couple was taken to a nearby government hospital for treatment. Sagar Devi was later referred to a private hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries and died on the way.
Police Investigation
Police arrived at the scene after receiving information about the incident. The body was sent for postmortem after completion of legal formalities. Authorities also seized the ‘lota’ allegedly used in the assault. A forensic science laboratory (FSL) team was called to the spot to ascertain the exact cause of death.
Rosera SDPO Sanjay Sinha stated, “A fight broke out over a land dispute in which the elderly woman died. Family members have alleged she was attacked with a ‘lota’. An FIR has been registered against the relatives based on the application filed by the deceased’s family. The FSL team has collected evidence from the crime scene. Raids are being carried out to nab the accused.”
The incident highlights the often violent nature of land disputes in rural Bihar, where property conflicts can escalate into deadly confrontations. Police have assured that strict action will be taken against the perpetrators.
