Patna: A sand-mafia attack in Bihta late Monday night left one Jawan dead and another critically injured, barely 800 metres from the Dulhin Bazar police station. The incident occurred when a mining department team was checking illegal sand transportation in Kab village and intercepted a tractor loaded with “gold sand”.
According to Mines Inspector Uttam Mani, who witnessed the attack, a white Scorpio carrying 7–8 men intercepted their team near Sadwa village around 12.30 am. “The Scorpio stopped right in front of our vehicle. The attackers came with sticks and rods. Two of our security personnel (SAP Jawans) tried to intervene but had to run to save their lives. During this, the fleeing personnel were crushed by the sand mafia,” he said.
One Jawan Dies During Treatment
The attackers allegedly ran over two Jawans with the Scorpio. One of them, 57-year-old Dukhharan Paswan, died during treatment at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH). The second Jawan, Laxman Singh, has suffered severe injuries, including a leg fracture, and remains in critical condition.
Paswan is survived by three children—two sons, Rajesh Kumar (44) and Manoj Kumar (39), and a daughter, Anju Kumari (34)—all employed in government service. The family is in deep shock.
Second Eyewitness Narrates Horror: “They killed him in front of my eyes”
Home Guard Jawan Ashutosh Kumar, who was driving the confiscated tractor, said the attack was sudden and violent. “I turned the steering when I saw the Scorpio. I got down and ran. They attacked me with sticks and rods. Two security guards tried to help but couldn’t withstand the assault. While fleeing, the Scorpio driver crushed Dukhharan Paswan right in front of my eyes,” he said. Kumar added that he can identify at least one of the attackers.
Police Response Under Scrutiny
Villagers said it took around 10–15 minutes for the police patrol vehicle to reach the scene, even though the spot was just a few hundred metres from the station. By the time officers arrived, the attackers had fled.
Station in-charge Sonu Kumar confirmed that the Scorpio used in the attack has been seized. The mining department’s tractor trolley loaded with sand has also been recovered.
Two Arrested; SIT Formed
Police have arrested two suspects—Sudhir Kumar and Hemnath Yadav. Investigators believe 7–8 people were involved in the attack. Raids are ongoing to trace the remaining accused.
ASP Shivam Dhakad said an SIT has been formed to expedite the investigation. “The mining team had confiscated a tractor laden with sand. The Scorpio came from behind and hit the Jawans. One has died, while the other is under treatment. An FIR has been registered, and the vehicle has been seized,” he said.
