A dispute over borewell water escalated into a violent attack in Bhopal's Sukhi Sewania area past midnight on Saturday, leaving eight members of a family and their relatives injured after neighbours allegedly assaulted them with axes. The incident took place in Nirja Nagar, Omkara Sewania, where tensions had been simmering for days.
Background of the Dispute
According to police officials from the Sukhi Sewania police station, Manish Lodhi, 35, had reportedly stopped his neighbour’s family from drawing water from his borewell due to falling groundwater levels amid peak summer heat. The accused—Mantulal Lodhi, his wife Parabai, and their sons Rajesh and Krishna—did not have a borewell and had been relying on Manish’s supply for an extended period. With water levels dropping sharply, Manish’s family decided to stop providing water a few days ago, which led to growing resentment.
Attack and Injuries
Around 12:30 am on Saturday, the four accused arrived at Manish’s house and began verbally abusing the family. When asked to stop, they allegedly launched an attack with axes. Family members alleged that Parabai threw chilli powder at them before the assault, and the accused then attacked anyone who tried to intervene. Eight individuals, including four women and four men, sustained injuries. Manish’s wife, Monika Bai, suffered a serious head injury after being struck with an axe. Manish’s father Suresh, along with Lakshmibai, Seema, and Dhaniram, sustained fractures and deep wounds. Five victims remain under treatment, while three were discharged after receiving first aid.
Legal Action and Investigation
Police have registered a case of attempt to murder and launched a search for the accused, who are currently at large. The incident highlights the growing pressure on groundwater resources, with falling borewell levels increasingly sparking disputes in several localities across the city. Authorities are conducting further investigations to apprehend the suspects and prevent similar incidents.
