Bihar: Sub-inspector shot at in Darbhanga, accused lynched by mob

Patna, June 26 (IANS) A violent incident in Ojhaul village of Darbhanga district left a police officer critically injured and an alleged criminal dead after an enraged mob attacked him.

The incident has prompted heavy police deployment in the area.

The injured officer has been identified as Md. Mobin, who was posted at the Patna Civil Court and had returned to his village on leave two days earlier.

He sustained a gunshot injury and was admitted to a private hospital in Darbhanga’s Allapatti area, where his condition remains critical.

The deceased has been identified as Sunil Sahani, a resident of the same village.

According to preliminary information, Sunil Sahani allegedly returned to the village with several associates early Friday morning, around 4.30 am.

Residents alleged that he damaged decorative lights installed near an Imambara ahead of Muharram celebrations.

Villagers objected to his actions, leading to an altercation.

During the dispute, Sub-Inspector Md. Mobin allegedly intervened to calm the situation.

Police sources and residents allege that Sunil Sahani subsequently opened fire, striking the officer in the abdomen.

Following the shooting, villagers and bystanders reportedly chased and overpowered the accused as he attempted to flee.

According to police, the crowd assaulted him and also used sharp-edged weapons to stab him, resulting in his death at the scene.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the mob violence.

Investigators recovered two spent cartridges and a blood-stained farsa (traditional axe-like weapon).

Police stated that the pistol allegedly used during the incident is currently missing, with reports suggesting that an unidentified person may have taken it from the scene.

Local residents claim that tensions involving Sunil Sahani date back several years, including disputes related to an interfaith marriage that took place about three years ago.

According to villagers, Sunil had married Sania, the daughter of a local resident who was related to Sub-Inspector Md. Mobin.

Family members had allegedly opposed the marriage.

Police officials have not indicated whether this earlier dispute had any direct connection with Friday’s violence.

Authorities also stated that Sunil Sahani had previous criminal cases against him.

Residents alleged that he had been involved in other violent incidents in recent months, although these claims are being examined as part of the investigation.

Darbhanga Senior Superintendent of Police Jagunath Reddy Jalareddy visited Ojhaul village to review the situation.

He directed officers to identify and arrest other individuals who may have accompanied the deceased during the incident.

A forensic team also visited the crime scene and collected evidence for further examination.

Heavy police deployment has been made in the village as a precautionary measure.

Additional security personnel have also been stationed outside the post-mortem facility at Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital.

Officials at the Bahadurpur police station stated that raids are underway to trace the associates who were allegedly present with Sunil Sahani during the incident.

Police officials said the situation in the village is currently under control, while investigations into both the shooting of the police officer and the subsequent mob killing continue.

–IANS

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