PANIC FOLLOWING FARMER’S MURDER

PANIC FOLLOWING FARMER’S MURDER

9-JUNE-ENG 10

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------------A case involving the fatal beating of a 65-year-old farmer has come to light in Mahadevchak village, under the jurisdiction of the Koilwar police station in Bhojpur district. The incident has left the entire village in a state of panic and mourning. The deceased has been identified as 65-year-old Baliram Mahto, son of the late Vasudev Mahto and a resident of Mahadevchak. According to his family, Baliram Mahto was a farmer who supported his family through agriculture. As was his routine, he had gone to sleep at his *dalan* (an outer sitting area or outhouse) after dinner. It is alleged that members of his extended family (kinsmen) arrived at the *dalan*, dragged the sleeping Baliram Mahto from his cot to a nearby location, and brutally beat him. He succumbed to the severe injuries sustained during the assault. The news of the incident caused an outcry among the family members; the deceased's wife, Asha Devi, is inconsolable. Baliram Mahto is survived by a large family, including five sons—Akhilesh Mahto, Mithilesh Mahto, Kunal Mahto, Ravi Mahto, and Raushan Mahto—and a daughter, Rekha Mahto. Upon receiving information about the incident, the Koilwar police arrived at the scene and initiated an investigation. The police have taken possession of the body and sent it for a post-mortem examination. The family has accused members of their extended family of the murder. The police are currently investigating all aspects of the case, and action has been initiated to arrest the accused. A tense atmosphere prevails in Mahadevchak village following the incident.