A violent clash erupted in Dubaulia village under the Lauriya police station area of Bettiah on Thursday when villagers attacked an administrative team that had arrived to measure a disputed piece of land. The assault left five police personnel, including senior officers, injured and resulted in significant damage to property and equipment.
Senior Officers Among the Injured in Chaotic Scene
The injured personnel were promptly admitted to the Lauriya Primary Health Centre (PHC) for treatment. Circle Officer Nitish Kumar Seth and Lauriya Station House Officer (SHO) Ramesh Kumar Sharma were among those hurt in the melee. They were accompanied by constables Nishi Kumari and Priya Ranjana, along with other police staff. Officials confirmed that all the injured received treatment and their condition is now stable.
Long-Standing Land Dispute Sparks Violence
Circle Officer Nitish Kumar Seth explained the root cause of the incident. He stated that a protracted dispute has been ongoing between Manoj Jaiswal, a resident of Lauriya Bazaar, and Vanshraj Ram of Dubaulia village over the ownership of approximately two acres of land. To resolve this conflict, the Narkatiaganj District Council Land Reform (DCLR) officer had ordered a formal measurement of the plot.
A joint team of field officials from the administration, accompanied by a police force for security, reached the site in Dubaulia to carry out the survey. "Before the measurement process could even begin," CO Seth recounted, "people from one side started protesting. The situation quickly escalated into a violent clash." The attackers, armed with sticks and rods, assaulted the police personnel and the field staff on duty.
Property Damaged, Equipment Seized in Attack
The violence led to further destruction. A thatched house located on the disputed site was set on fire during the confrontation. The assailants also damaged a drone camera that was being used by the authorities to monitor and facilitate the land survey from above. In a brazen act, the mobile phone of the drone operator was snatched away by the attackers.
Police Response and Future Action
Circle Officer Seth affirmed that the administration remains undeterred. He stated that the land measurement exercise would be conducted again shortly, with necessary precautions. On the legal front, the police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the attack. "Dozens of miscreants have been identified based on the evidence and eyewitness accounts," Seth said. "Police teams are conducting raids to apprehend the accused individuals."
The incident highlights the challenges faced by authorities in executing court and administrative orders in regions where local disputes can quickly turn volatile, requiring a balanced approach to law enforcement and dispute resolution.
