Bihar: 6 injured in gunfight between rival groups over sand mining dispute

Patna, July 4 (IANS) At least six people were injured after a violent clash between two groups escalated into a gunfight over an alleged dispute related to sand mining in Bihar’s Jehanabad district on Saturday.

The incident triggered panic in the area as multiple rounds of gunfire were exchanged between the rival groups. According to police, the firing took place between Chaiti-Pipar and Ginji villages under the Ghosi police station limits.

The injured have been identified as Dinesh Ram, Ajay Ram, Sudhir Ram, Dheeraj Kumar, and Vijay Ram – all residents of Chaiti-Pipar village. Another injured individual is identified as Vishnu Kumar, a resident of Ginji village.

The injured were initially taken to the Ghosi Primary Health Centre, where they received first aid before being referred to Jehanabad Sadar Hospital. According to an official, Dinesh Ram sustained a bullet injury to his leg, while Dheeraj Kumar suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for advanced treatment due to his critical condition.

A resident who helped transport the injured said the firing broke out during a dispute between the two villages.

“Gunfire erupted due to a dispute between Chaiti-Pipar and Ginji villages. Dheeraj Kumar was riding his motorcycle when he was struck by a bullet. We rushed him to the hospital. He suffered a gunshot injury to the chest and was referred for advanced treatment,” the villager said.

Another eyewitness, Resham Kumari, alleged that a group of around 20 people arrived and opened fire after objections were raised over sand mining activities.

“I was sitting near the entrance of my house when about 20 people arrived and started firing. The shooting happened because we had objected to the sand mining. Some people were shot in the legs, while others suffered injuries to the stomach. I fell to the ground as soon as the firing began,” she said.

According to local residents, tensions between the two villages over alleged sand mining activities had been simmering for several months. On Saturday, an argument reportedly escalated into a violent confrontation during which numerous rounds were fired from both sides.

Confirming the incident, Jehanabad SDPO-2 Kriti Kamal said police have launched an investigation. “A shootout occurred between two groups over sand extraction, resulting in injuries to six people. The police are investigating the matter. Efforts are underway to identify all those involved and take appropriate legal action,” the officer said.

Police personnel from Ghosi Police Station reached the spot soon after receiving information and brought the situation under control.

–IANS

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