Army Soldier Dies After Alleged Petrol Attack in Bihar’s Kaimur, Villagers Protest
A soldier from Bihar’s Kaimur district died at a military hospital in Lucknow after suffering extreme burn injuries in an alleged attack linked to a land-sale dispute, sparking protests in his village and nearby areas and prompting police to step up their investigation.
The deceased, Shatrughan Yadav of Sahuka village in the Ramgarh police station area, was on leave from his posting in Assam when he was allegedly attacked on September 9. According to police and family accounts cited in reports, he was called to Ramgarh that morning over a financial disagreement tied to a land transaction. Relatives have alleged that around Rs 16 lakh from the sale of land remained unpaid.
The allegations in the case are severe. Yadav is said to have been locked inside a Scorpio vehicle, doused with petrol and set on fire. He sustained burns on more than 80 per cent of his body. He was initially taken to a trauma centre in Varanasi and later shifted to the Army hospital in Lucknow after doctors referred him there. He died late on September 16, about a week after the attack, while undergoing treatment.
Reports say Yadav recorded a statement while in Varanasi, and the police registered a first information report on that basis. Seven people have been named as accused in the case. Three of them have been arrested and sent to jail, while four remain absconding.
The case has also drawn scrutiny over the role of the local station house officer. Villagers have questioned the initial handling of the matter, and an inquiry into the officer’s conduct has been promised. Kaimur Superintendent of Police Shikhar Chaudhary told protesters that action would be taken against anyone found guilty and that the investigation would continue. Mohania Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ratna Priyadarshini said three of the named accused were already in custody and efforts were under way to arrest the remaining four.
News of Yadav’s death triggered anger in Sahuka and surrounding villages. On Thursday, a large number of residents marched to Ramgarh, blocked the road at Durga Chowk for about five hours and assembled near the police station to press for action. They demanded strict punishment for the accused as well as an inquiry into police conduct. Additional security was deployed in the area as the crowd gathered.
The demonstration was withdrawn only after assurances from the superintendent of police and other officials. Traffic was then restored. Authorities have urged people to let the investigation proceed without interference.
Police are now examining the circumstances surrounding the financial dispute and the role of each of the accused. Yadav’s body is expected to be brought back to the village for the last rites with due honours.
