Bettiah: Six municipal and police personnel sustained injuries on Saturday when an anti-encroachment drive in Bettiah town of West Champaran district turned violent, officials reported. The incident occurred on Hospital Road near the GMCH Medical College Road as a municipal corporation team, accompanied by police, arrived to remove encroachments for a road-widening project.
Details of the Incident
According to officials, tensions escalated after an altercation broke out between civic officials and alleged encroachers. The dispute quickly turned violent, with locals resorting to stone-pelting. Bettiah sub-divisional magistrate Vikas Kumar stated, "The 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."
Injuries and Arrests
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 GMCH for treatment. Police confirmed that one person has been arrested in connection with the violence, and efforts are ongoing to identify others involved in the attack.
Aftermath and Security Measures
Additional police personnel have been deployed in the area following the incident. Authorities have warned of strict action against those obstructing government work or attacking officials. The road-widening exercise is part of ongoing infrastructure development in Bettiah, but the violent opposition highlights local tensions over encroachment removal.
