ITBP Jawan Allegedly Shoots Cousin Dead in Bhojpur Village Dispute
A tragic incident unfolded in Babhnauli village under the Ara Mufassil police station area of Bhojpur district on Monday morning, where a 50-year-old farmer was allegedly shot dead by his younger cousin, who serves as an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawan. The deceased has been identified as Ganesh Tiwari, a local farmer whose life was cut short in a violent altercation stemming from a protracted family feud.
Root Cause: Long-Standing Property and Construction Issues
According to police authorities, the fatal shooting was the culmination of a bitter and long-standing dispute between the two cousins over construction matters near their adjacent homes. The conflict primarily revolved around the building of a road and the placement of a window, with tensions escalating over time. Ara Sadar SDPO-1 Raj Kumar Shah, who arrived at the scene with a team of police personnel, provided crucial insights into the case.
"The accused, Vasant Tiwari (33), an ITBP jawan, allegedly shot at his elder cousin, who died on the spot," stated SDPO Shah. "The reason behind the incident is a dispute over the construction of a road as well as other issues related to their houses between the two cousins. According to the initial investigation, whenever the accused visited his village, he used to quarrel with his cousin’s family and trouble them."
Police Investigation Intensifies with Forensic and Technical Support
In response to the grave nature of the crime, law enforcement agencies have mobilized multiple resources to ensure a thorough investigation. Forensic teams and specialized units have been deployed to gather evidence and analyze the scene meticulously.
"The FSL team as well as the DIU team have been called to assist technically in the police investigation," explained SDPO Shah. "The CCTV footage that is available is also being scanned to trace the accused. Raids are on to arrest the accused." This multi-pronged approach underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating this case, aiming to bring the perpetrator to justice swiftly.
Family and Villagers Allege Unprovoked Attack and Intimidation
The victim's family has come forward with harrowing accounts of the incident and past behavior by the accused. Rohit Tiwari alias Golu, the son of the deceased, described the shocking moment his father was attacked without any apparent provocation.
"He was feeding fodder to our cow when all of a sudden, Vasant arrived and shot him dead," recounted Rohit. "Whenever he visited home, he used to threaten our family by firing in the air." This testimony paints a picture of ongoing intimidation that preceded the fatal encounter.
Further allegations from other villagers suggest a pattern of aggressive behavior by the accused. It is claimed that Vasant Tiwari often brandished illegal firearms and fired shots into the air to intimidate residents of Babhnauli village, creating an atmosphere of fear and unrest within the community.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This incident highlights the severe consequences of unresolved property disputes in rural areas, where familial conflicts can escalate into violence. The involvement of a serving ITBP jawan adds a layer of complexity, raising questions about conduct and accountability among security personnel. The local community in Bhojpur district is now grappling with the aftermath, as police continue their efforts to apprehend the accused and deliver justice for Ganesh Tiwari and his grieving family.
