Bihar: Anti-encroachment drive turns violent, mob attacks police

Patna, April 24 (IANS) An incident of mob violence targeting police personnel has surfaced from Bihar’s East Champaran district, where a confrontation during an anti-encroachment drive escalated into a serious law-and-order situation.
A video of the incident is rapidly going viral on social media.
According to an official, the incident took place at Karamwa Chowk under the jurisdiction of Dhaka Police Station.
Police officials had reached the spot on Friday to clear alleged encroachments along a road being constructed under the Bharatmala Project.
However, the situation quickly turned volatile as tensions flared between the police team and local villagers.
During the operation, some anti-social elements began pelting stones at the police vehicle. The attackers forced the police personnel to retreat from the spot in order to avoid injuries.
Amid the chaos, a Chowkidar (village watchman) who arrived at the scene was surrounded by a group of villagers.
The mob allegedly assaulted him and even attempted to drag him into a nearby house, seemingly with the intent to confine him.
Fortunately, a few responsible locals intervened in time and managed to rescue the Chowkidar, ensuring his escape from the violent crowd. He sustained injuries in the attack.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel during field operations.
With the video gaining traction online, attention has now turned to the police administration, and it remains to be seen what action will be taken against those involved in the attack.
Earlier, on April 20, a police team in Jamui was attacked by locals during a raid conducted to arrest an absconding accused.
According to an official, the incident occurred around 10 a.m. when a police team reached Khairma village to apprehend Dhibu Yadav, who had been evading arrest in multiple criminal cases.
As the police team moved in to arrest him near a brick kiln close to the Khairma bridge, the accused, along with his family members and associates, allegedly attacked the police personnel.
During the assault, the attackers used sticks, clubs, bricks, and stones, resulting in serious injuries to two Sub-Inspectors and one constable.
Despite the attack, the police team managed to arrest the accused.
The injured officers have been identified as Sub-Inspectors Sunil Kumar Sah and Bikram Kumar — both posted at the Town Police Station — and constable Ranbir Kumar.
–IANS
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