Bihar: Army jawan, father killed over banana harvest dispute, police say
An Indian Army soldier and his father were shot dead in Bihar’s Vaishali district on Sunday after a long-running land dispute allegedly escalated over the weekend, police said.
Jitendra Kumar (32), a jawan in the army, had returned home following the death of a relative. His 52-year-old father, Munarik Rai, died on the spot after being shot, while Kumar succumbed to his injuries later at a hospital.
Vaishali Superintendent of Police (SP) Shubhank Mishra said the incident took place in Rajaso village under the Bidupur police station. “The accused have been identified. They are related to the victims and the killings occurred during a dispute over the cutting of bananas on a disputed patch of land,” Mishra said.
Police said the accused are relatives of the victims and the dispute over the banana harvest had been ongoing for years. Raids are being conducted to arrest the suspects, who are currently absconding.
An investigation is underway, and authorities have deployed additional forces to the village to prevent any further violence. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination.
The killing has sparked shock in the region, with local residents describing the victims as peace-loving. The army has been notified, and officials are coordinating with the police.
