Vikas Kumar Ojha, Patna: A tragic firing incident in Bihar’s Katihar district during the last week of November has left one tribal man dead and two others injured, including a woman. While local media described it as a clash between two groups over a land dispute, many questions remain unanswered. Strikingly, no one from the opposing side was reported injured, and all the victims were members of the tribal community. In addition to the violence, two tractors were set ablaze in Pindara village, Kuretha Panchayat, under the Mansahi police station area.
What Actually Happened?
According to the tribal community, they had official permission from the government to till the land. Acting on this, they went to work on the fields. However, they claim the rival group unleashed violence, firing multiple rounds, throwing bombs, and setting two tractors on fire. The attack resulted in the death of 60-year-old Baijnath Oraon and left two others injured.
Police’s Role Under Question
Eyewitnesses and locals allege that the firing went on for hours, but the police failed to act. Calls for help reportedly went unanswered, with locals accusing the police of deliberately delaying their response. Atish Raza, a resident, shared that his family was trapped for three hours during the attack. Despite repeated calls, the police only arrived once the chaos had subsided.
Worse still, allegations of police complicity have emerged. Sources suggest that an officer from the local force might have connections to the accused, potentially influencing their actions—or lack thereof. Both reportedly share the same caste, adding fuel to the fire.
Ignored Warnings
Reports reveal that Katihar’s Special Branch had warned the local police about possible violence in the area. Yet, no precautionary steps were taken. This negligence led to the death of a tribal man and has raised serious concerns about the police’s intentions and impartiality.
Political Backlash
Balrampur MLA Mehboob Alam didn’t mince words when addressing the incident. He called it a blatant failure of law enforcement and accused the police of actively aiding the accused in seizing the disputed land. Alam demanded strict action against officers involved, stating that such incidents reflect a dangerous trend of corruption within the system.
Katihar Police Remains Silent
The Katihar police, known for celebrating minor cases with publicized press conferences, have been unusually silent about this serious incident. Their lack of response has only deepened suspicions of their involvement or negligence.
The Questions That Need Answers
- Was the attack on the tribal community premeditated, or was it staged to create a specific narrative?
- Who in the police department is betraying their oath by siding with the accused?
- Will senior authorities ensure an impartial investigation and justice for the victims?
This incident has left the tribal community in shock and raised troubling questions about law enforcement’s role in protecting vulnerable communities. The public is demanding accountability, answers, and justice for the victims of this horrifying attack.
