Former Village Head Found Dead in Patna's Bihta; Protesters Block State Highway, Police Begin Multi-Angle Investigation
Heavy protests erupted in Bihar's Patna district on Friday after the body of a former village head was found in the Bihta area. Aggrieved family members and local residents blocked a state highway and set fire on the road, disrupting traffic for several hours before police and administrative officials intervened.
Following information about the incident, a large number of villagers and local residents gathered at the spot. Family members placed the body on the road and staged a protest, demanding the arrest of those responsible.
The highway blockade resulted in long queues of vehicles on both sides of the road. Police officers attempted to persuade the protesters to clear the road, but they initially remained firm on their demands.
To control the situation, police personnel from three different police stations reached the scene, and additional forces were deployed.
The deceased's sister accused the police of orchestrating the killing. She said her brother's death was not a normal incident and demanded a fair investigation into the case.
The allegation has been made by the family and has not been independently verified. Police said the allegations would also be investigated and that further action would be taken based on the available evidence.
According to preliminary information, the deceased had been absconding in connection with a case under the Arms Act. However, police said no conclusion has been reached regarding any connection between that fact and the death.
Police said the investigation is covering all possible angles and every aspect of the case is being examined.
Police have taken custody of the body and sent it for post-mortem examination. A forensic team collected necessary evidence from the scene.
Officials said the cause of death will be determined on the basis of the post-mortem report, forensic examination, mobile call records, eyewitness statements and other technical evidence.
During the protest, police established a security perimeter around the demonstration site to maintain law and order. Administrative officials held discussions with the family and assured them of a fair investigation.
The situation gradually returned to normal, and the process of restoring traffic began.
Local residents said the incident had created tension in the area. The administration appealed to the public to maintain peace and avoid paying attention to rumours. Officials also requested anyone possessing information or evidence related to the case to provide it to the investigating team.
Police officials said the investigation is being conducted from multiple angles. If any individual's involvement is established during the investigation, action will be taken in accordance with the law. The allegations made by the family will also be examined impartially.
The case remains under investigation. The cause of the former village head's death, the veracity of the allegations made by the family, and all facts related to the incident will be determined only after the post-mortem report, police investigation and judicial process are completed.
