Patna: A young man was shot dead in Jalgovind village on Saturday night, allegedly by the husband of the local village head and his associates, after refusing to withdraw a legal complaint, sparking outrage among residents.
The victim, identified as Dharmveer Paswan, had reportedly been involved in a dispute with influential villagers. An FIR was filed on December 23 regarding an assault linked to the conflict. According to police, the accused repeatedly pressured Paswan to drop the case.
Around 8pm on Saturday, Arvind Kumar, also known as Bhagat Mukhiya, the village head’s husband, along with a group of men, approached Paswan and demanded he withdraw the complaint. When Paswan requested time until morning, he was shot three times in the stomach. He was taken to Barh Sub-Divisional Hospital and later referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), where he succumbed to his injuries.
The incident triggered a protest by Paswan’s family and villagers. On Sunday morning, following a delay of nearly three hours due to the unavailability of an ambulance after the post-mortem, the body was placed on National Highway 31, blocking traffic for five hours. Residents demanded the arrest of the accused, and the blockade was lifted only after police intervention.
SDPO-1 Anand Kumar Singh said one person, Shubham Kumar, who was involved in the earlier altercation, has been arrested, while raids are ongoing to apprehend Arvind Kumar and other associates. Six empty cartridges and a misfired bullet were recovered at the scene, and the Forensic Science Laboratory collected additional evidence.
“The accused has a history of criminal activity and a domineering reputation in the area,” the SDPO said. “He acted against social harmony in this case.” Paswan’s family continues to demand the immediate arrest of all individuals involved.
