A horrifying incident has emerged from Samastipur district in Bihar, where two individuals allegedly set a woman ablaze over a land dispute. The accused forcibly drove a tractor through the victim's field; when she protested, they beat her before dousing her in flammable liquid and setting her alight. A video of this tragic event, showing the woman screaming and running from the burning field, has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
Land Dispute Turns Violent
This incident occurred in a village under Vidhyapatinagar block of Samastipur. According to reports, the victim, Seema Devi (40), had an ongoing land dispute with two men from her village. On Thursday morning, the accused attempted to forcibly plough her field with a tractor. When Seema Devi resisted, they began to assault her.
The situation escalated, and in a fit of rage, the accused poured kerosene on the woman and set her on fire. Villagers raised an alarm, but by then, significant harm had already been inflicted. The woman sustained severe burns.
Viral Video Exposes Brutality
A villager quickly recorded a video of the incident, showing Seema Devi screaming and running towards the road from the burning field. This video, which went viral on social media, has shaken the administration and the state government. The video clearly shows the woman pleading for help, but no one initially came to her aid. Local residents eventually took her to the hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
Accused at Large, FIR Filed
Following the incident, the accused fled the scene. Samastipur police swiftly responded, filing a case against both accused under various sections, including attempted murder and the SC/ST Act. The victim is receiving treatment at Patna Medical College. The Samastipur SP informed the media that a special team has been formed to apprehend the accused, and their arrests are imminent. Instructions have been received from the state government to ensure the victim's safety and provide her with the best possible medical care.
Family Alleges Prior Threats
Seema Devi's family alleges that the accused had been threatening to seize their land for several days. They claim to have lodged complaints with the panchayat multiple times, but no concrete action was taken. The victim's husband stated, "We are poor people; our land is our livelihood. These men had assaulted us before. Had the administration acted promptly, we wouldn't be facing this today."
Political Fallout, Opposition Targets Government
The incident has sparked considerable political activity. The opposition has criticized the state government, citing it as a failure of law and order. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav tweeted, "Women's safety is at risk in Bihar. This is not just murder; it's the death of humanity." Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the incident and directed officials to provide medical assistance to the victim and support to her family.
