A police patrol team was violently attacked with sticks and iron rods in the Raghopur police station area of Supaul district late Saturday night, resulting in injuries to three police personnel. The injured include Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Anjay Kumar, woman home guard Kajal Kumari, and constable Nitesh Kumar. ASI Kumar sustained a severe head injury requiring five stitches. The assailants also vandalized a government vehicle during the incident.
Incident Details
The attack occurred at Mahadalit Tola under Raghopur police station area. Police have detained nine suspects for questioning. According to officials, an excise department team had earlier received information that some youths were creating a disturbance under the influence of alcohol in Ward No. 4 of Raghopur panchayat on Saturday night. When the excise team arrived, villagers and anti-social elements allegedly began pelting stones, forcing the team to retreat without taking action.
Later, a regular patrol vehicle from Raghopur police station passed through the same route. Noticing several youths and motorcycles on the road late at night, patrol in charge ASI Anjay Kumar stopped to question them and advised them to return home. Police said the youths began arguing and quickly gathered local villagers.
The Assault
Within minutes, around 30 to 35 men and women armed with lathis, bamboo sticks, axes, and sickles allegedly surrounded and attacked the police team. The mob smashed the windows, lights, and body of the police vehicle. ASI Anjay Kumar sustained head injuries during the assault, while home guards Kajal Kumari and Nitesh Kumar were also beaten with sticks. The ASI managed to inform the police station via his mobile phone, prompting Raghopur SHO Amit Kumar Rai to arrive with additional force. The attackers fled upon the arrival of more police personnel.
Recovery of Service Rifle
Initial reports suggested that the service rifle of the woman home guard had been snatched. However, police later clarified that constable Nitesh Kumar had fled in another direction with the rifle due to panic during the attack. The rifle was later recovered safely from bushes near a canal, approximately 50 meters from the spot.
Police Response
Late at night, Supaul SP Sharath R S and Veerpur SDPO Surendra Kumar reached the area with a heavy police force. The injured personnel are stated to be out of danger. An FIR has been registered at Raghopur police station based on the statement of injured ASI Anjay Kumar.
