A 30-year-old man was shot dead while he slept inside his house under construction in Purnia district on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred in Sabdalpur village under Kasba police station area. Family members alleged the murder was linked to an ongoing land dispute.
Victim Identified
The deceased was identified as Mohammad Shahjahan, son of Mohammad Qayum. According to Shahjahan's father, the family had a long-standing dispute over 18 katthas of land with local land brokers and alleged land mafia. Concerned for their safety, the father and son chose to spend the night at the house under construction. While Mohammad Qayum slept on the roof, Shahjahan stayed in a room downstairs.
Incident Details
The father said he woke up after hearing a loud noise from a tin gate. When he rushed downstairs, he found his son lying in a pool of blood. Shahjahan succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter, while the attackers managed to escape.
Police Response
Following the incident, police officials reached the spot and sent the body to Govt Medical College and Hospital, Purnia, for postmortem. Given the nature of the crime, a forensic team was called to collect scientific evidence. Kasba SHO Gyanranjan said police have initiated an investigation and are awaiting a written complaint from the family. An FIR will be registered on the basis of the family's complaint, and strict action will be taken against those involved in the killing, he said.
Background of Land Dispute
The family had been involved in a dispute over 18 katthas of land with local land brokers and alleged land mafia. The dispute had escalated to the point where the family felt unsafe even in their own home, prompting them to stay in the under-construction house. The murder has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the dangers of land-related conflicts in the region.
Police are continuing their investigation and have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators. The family has been assured of justice, and authorities are taking the case seriously given the violent nature of the crime.
