Bhagalpur Family Narrowly Escapes Midnight Arson Attack by Masked Criminals
In a harrowing incident at Sitarampur village under the Sultanganj police station area, family members of a political party worker had a narrow escape after a group of criminals allegedly set their house on fire around midnight on Friday. The attack, which resulted in significant damage to household articles and a large portion of the residence belonging to Mithlesh Kumar Chaudhary, has sparked a police investigation based on CCTV footage from a nearby camera.
Details of the Attack and Family's Escape
According to Chaudhary's statement to the police, five masked men entered the house around midnight with the intention of killing him and his family. The accused allegedly sprinkled petrol and set the house ablaze before fleeing the scene. Chaudhary confirmed that all family members were inside the house at the time of the attack. His son, Abhishek, recounted the terrifying ordeal, stating, "We managed to escape and saved ourselves from being burnt alive." He further alleged that the attack was linked to a previous dispute with one Pankaj Sah of the same village, claiming the family had received threats four days prior and that the arson was driven by personal enmity.
Police Response and Investigation
Upon receiving information, police and a fire brigade team rushed to the spot and successfully brought the fire under control. ASP (trainee) and Sultanganj police station in-charge Sayan Raja provided insights into the ongoing investigation, noting that a police team immediately reached the location and alerted the fire brigade. "The blaze was brought under control soon. We are investigating the incident with an open mind. Prima facie, it appears to be linked to a longstanding personal dispute," he said. The incident, captured on a nearby CCTV camera, is being thoroughly examined to identify the perpetrators and understand the motives behind this violent act.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This arson attack highlights the escalating tensions in the region, particularly concerning personal disputes that can lead to such dangerous confrontations. The family's narrow escape underscores the urgency of addressing such conflicts through legal channels to prevent further violence. Authorities are urging residents to report any threats or suspicious activities promptly to ensure community safety and uphold law and order in Bhagalpur and surrounding areas.
