PATNA: A long-standing dispute over a pathway turned fatal in Bihar’s Vaishali district on Saturday morning, when a 70-year-old man was allegedly shot dead in Raghopur East Panchayat under the Judawanpur police station area.
The deceased was identified as Harbansu Rai (70). The incident triggered tension in the village, prompting police teams from Judawanpur and Raghopur police stations to camp at the spot and closely monitor the situation.
According to an official, Harbansu Rai had been involved in a prolonged dispute with his neighbour, Shyam Nandan Rai, over a pathway.
It is alleged that Shyam Nandan Rai had constructed a house over the disputed passage, while Harbansu Rai had erected pillars around the area.
The two sides had reportedly clashed over the issue in the past.
On Saturday morning, another confrontation broke out between the two groups over the pathway.
The dispute soon escalated, and gunfire was allegedly exchanged.
Harbansu Rai was allegedly shot in the eye and died on the spot.
The deceased's family has accused Shyam Nandan Rai, Raja Ram Rai and Karu Rai of being involved in the killing.
Following the incident, a large number of villagers gathered at the scene, leading to heightened tension in the area.
Police officials reached the spot, took custody of the body and sent it for post-mortem examination.
Teams are collecting evidence from the crime scene and conducting raids to apprehend the accused. They are at large.
Vaishali SP Shubhank Mishra confirmed that police had received information about the shooting and were investigating the matter from all angles.
He said efforts to arrest the accused had been intensified and that strict legal action would be taken against those found responsible. The accused will be arrested soon.
An FIR has been registered against Shyam Nandan Rai and other accused under the relevant section of murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in the Judawanpur police station.
