Mehsi: A shocking incident of violence marred the solemn observance of Muharram in East Champaran district of Bihar when a young man was hacked to death with a sword during a religious procession in Mehsi. Two other family members were seriously injured in the attack, which is believed to have been triggered by an old electoral rivalry. The police have taken two suspects into custody and initiated an intensive investigation into the matter.
The deceased has been identified as Ajay Kumar Rai, a resident of Amwa village, who had gone to watch the Muharram procession along with his brother Dhananjay Kumar and cousin Naval Kishore Rai. According to eyewitnesses and family statements, the three had gathered at Kankatti Bazaar under Kothia Hareram Panchayat, an area falling under Mehsi police station limits, to watch sword-fighting stunts performed during the Tazia procession.
As per reports, tensions had been simmering between Ajay’s family and another group led by a local resident named Nijamuddin. The rivalry dated back to the last panchayat elections, during which Rajesh Rai, a cousin of Ajay, had contested as a candidate. This political contest had sown seeds of enmity between the two sides, ultimately culminating in the tragic attack on Monday.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that while Ajay and his brothers were engrossed in watching the stunts, a young man wielding a sword suddenly turned violent and launched a brutal attack on Ajay. When his brother Dhananjay and cousin Naval tried to intervene to save him, they too were targeted and received serious injuries. The attacker and his associates allegedly continued to strike the victims repeatedly, leaving the crowd in panic and shock.
After the assault, the injured were immediately rushed to Mehsi Primary Health Centre. Unfortunately, Ajay Kumar Rai was declared dead on arrival by Dr. Harendra Kumar Ravi. Dhananjay Kumar sustained a severe injury on his nose, while Naval Kishore Rai was referred to a higher medical facility in Muzaffarpur due to his critical condition.
District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal and Superintendent of Police (SP) Swarn Prabhat arrived at the spot soon after being informed of the incident. The senior officials oversaw the situation, spoke to eyewitnesses, and assured the family of strict action against the perpetrators. The police took swift action and detained two individuals on suspicion. Both are currently being interrogated to ascertain the exact sequence of events and identify other conspirators involved in the attack.
Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat confirmed that the attack was rooted in an old dispute between the two families. He also revealed that around 15 days ago, there had been another confrontation involving the same parties, and an FIR had already been registered at that time. Police raids are ongoing to nab other accused individuals who fled the scene.
In view of the heightened tension following the incident, additional police forces, including senior officers and security personnel, have been deployed in and around Kankatti Bazaar to maintain law and order and prevent any further escalation.
Champaran Range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Har Kishore Rai also visited Mehsi to take stock of the situation and console the bereaved family. DIG Rai personally met Dhananjay Kumar and other relatives of the deceased, assuring them of a fair and impartial investigation.
Local MLA from Pipra constituency, Shyam Babu Prasad Yadav, also reached the spot and interacted with the victim’s family. Emotional scenes unfolded as family members, particularly women, broke down in tears, repeatedly stating that Ajay had no personal enmity with anyone and was an innocent victim. “He was a poor man with no enemies. He had just gone to watch the stunts and lost his life,” cried one distraught family member.
This tragic incident has not only shaken the residents of East Champaran but has also raised serious concerns over public safety during religious processions. Police have assured that all culprits involved in the attack will be brought to justice at the earliest. Meanwhile, the local administration has urged residents to maintain peace and cooperate with the authorities in the ongoing investigation.
