Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Jan 7: A long-running land dispute erupted into deadly violence in Bhakhwa village under Sikraul police station limits in Bihar’s Buxar district on Wednesday, leaving one man dead and several others seriously injured. The incident has reignited fear and tension in the village.
Police said Sanjay Chaubey was attacked in broad daylight by armed assailants who opened fire and later assaulted villagers with sticks and clubs. Chaubey was shot dead on the spot, while more than six people sustained serious injuries. The injured were rushed to Sadar Hospital in Buxar, where they are undergoing treatment.
The violence is linked to a dispute over nearly six acres of land that has divided two groups for over 30 years. The conflict dates back to Sanjay Chaubey’s father, Kashi Nath Chaubey, who had a prolonged legal battle with Kanhaiya Chaubey and Ganesh Chaubey over ownership of the land.
In 1991, Kashi Nath Chaubey was murdered in connection with the same dispute. Kanhaiya and Ganesh Chaubey were later convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. They were recently released on bail by the Patna High Court and had returned to the village, according to sources.
On Wednesday, after one faction reportedly secured a favourable court order, its members went to cultivate the disputed land. At that point, the accused allegedly arrived in a Scorpio vehicle along with 20 to 25 supporters and began firing indiscriminately. Following the gunfire, villagers were also beaten with sticks and clubs, resulting in multiple injuries.
Family members of the deceased accused the administration of failing to act in time. At Sadar Hospital, Sanjay Chaubey’s brother, Dhananjay Chaubey, alleged police inaction despite repeated calls for help, claiming the delay cost his brother his life.
Police reached the village soon after the incident and launched a detailed investigation. Additional forces have been deployed to prevent further violence and maintain law and order.
In an official statement, Buxar Police said four accused — Kanhaiya Chaubey, Ganesh Chaubey, Jagbali Chaubey and Vashistha Chaubey, all residents of Bhakhwa village — were arrested within four hours of the incident. Further investigation is ongoing.