Rohtas: A sub-inspector in Bihar has been left in a critical condition after being attacked during a raid on suspected liquor smugglers in Rohtas district, underscoring the persistent violence faced by police and excise officials in the state despite a ban on alcohol.
The incident occurred late on Monday night in Dharupur, Bikramganj, when an excise department team moved in on a consignment of illicit liquor following a tip-off. As officers seized the haul, they were set upon by a group of villagers and smugglers who pelted stones and assaulted the team. The attackers fled with the confiscated liquor.
Sub-inspector Abhijeet Kumar sustained a severe head injury and was rushed to a private hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. His condition remains critical.
Bhikhari Ram, the local excise officer, confirmed the raid and the attack, saying: “The operation was progressing successfully when the mafia, along with locals, surrounded the police team. During the scuffle, Sub-Inspector Abhijeet Kumar was badly injured.”
This is the latest in a series of violent incidents against law enforcement in Rohtas since Bihar imposed its liquor ban in 2016. Excise and police personnel have frequently come under attack during raids, with officers injured in several cases.
Residents say smuggling networks have entrenched themselves in certain areas, where raids are routinely met with violent resistance. The ongoing clashes have raised concerns over both law and order and the safety of police officers.
