Darbhanga: Tension and fear have gripped Harinagar village under Kusheshwarsthan police station in Darbhanga district after an FIR under the SC/ST Act was registered against 70 named Brahmins and 100–150 unidentified persons in connection with a violent clash over a money dispute.
Residents say normal life in the village has come to a standstill. Shops remain closed, essential supplies are unavailable, and families are living in constant fear.
“Nothing like this had ever happened in our village before. We always lived in harmony, but suddenly everything changed. The entire village is now under stress,” said Janki Devi, a resident of Harinagar.
“I went to the market to buy potatoes but returned empty-handed. Even the medicine shop is closed. We are forced to bring essentials from another village.”
What Triggered the Clash
According to the police complaint filed by Asarfi Paswan, the dispute began over pending wages related to house construction work done in 2015. Paswan alleged that his son Vikram Paswan had supervised the construction of a house belonging to Hemkant Jha, but Rs 2.5 lakh in wages was never paid.
On January 30, when Hemkant Jha’s son-in-law visited the village, Paswan again demanded the money. This led to an argument. The next day, January 31, the dispute escalated into a violent clash.
Paswan alleged that several people entered his house armed with sticks and iron rods, assaulted his family members, and caused serious injuries. He claimed his granddaughter Komal Kumari suffered a fractured waist bone, and women in the family were misbehaved with. The complaint also alleges looting of gold and silver jewellery, Rs 2 lakh in cash, mobile phones, an LCD TV, a refrigerator, and damage to four motorcycles parked outside the house.
FIR Under SC/ST Act, 12 Arrested
Police said that based on Paswan’s application, an FIR was registered under the SC/ST Act against 70 named Brahmin residents of the village and 100–150 unknown persons.
“Following the incident, 12 accused have been arrested and sent to jail. Further investigation is underway,” police officials said.
DSP: Case Being Given Caste Colour
Biroulia DSP Prabhakar Tiwari said the incident took place on the night of January 31 due to a financial dispute.
“More than 10 people were injured in the clash. Twelve arrests have been made. Some people are trying to give the matter a caste colour. The police are investigating all angles. Security has been increased in the village. The situation is tense but under control,” he said.
Village Life Disrupted
Janki Devi said the impact of the case has been devastating for families not directly involved in the dispute.
“For four days, the stove in my house has not been lit. Even if we try to cook, there is no appetite. My son is in jail. There was a ritual in my son’s in-laws’ house, and I couldn’t attend. There is fear everywhere,” she said.
Another village woman, Anisha Jha, said that people from both sides were injured in the violence.
“It is not true that only one side suffered. My father was pulled off his moving bike and beaten badly. His clothes were torn. Brahmin families were also abused,” she said.
She alleged misuse of the SC/ST Act, claiming that names of people who do not even live in the village were included in the FIR.
Response from the Other Side
Hemkant Jha’s family said the dispute was over wages but denied the allegations of large-scale assault and loot.
“Asarfi said Rs 2 lakh was pending. I asked him to show the account diary. He started abusing and then turned violent,” a family member said.
Police Investigation Continues
Police say they are verifying all claims from both sides, including the list of accused and the extent of injuries and damage. Additional forces have been deployed in the area to prevent further unrest.
Once known for peace and brotherhood, Harinagar village is now living under a cloud of fear and uncertainty as the legal and police process continues.
