A day after murder of Keshwar Rai, an ex-army person and SAP jawan, at Road number four in Madhukam, angry residents took to the streets and resorted to violent protest against the Police for allegedly turning a blind eye to the problem which led to the killing of Rai. Police were forced to use extreme measures to contain the raging mob.
According to eyewitnesses, as soon as the deceased’s body reached the family after post mortem, angry residents placed the body in the middle of the street at Kishorganj Chowk and started shouting slogans against the Police. Things took an ugly turn with a firing allegedly from the side of the mob which sparked a series of firing in reply from the Police. “Police in response fired around 4 to 5 rounds of bullets. However no casualty has been reported due to the firing,” said Senior Superintendent of Police Saket Kumar Singh.
Dozens of vehicles were left stranded for more than half-an-hour due to the blockade which was lifted when additional reinforcements were rushed in to the spot. According to reports, Police resorted to lathicharge to clear the road off the protestors. The angry mob was protesting Police’s role in the entire incident and started pelting stone on Police stationed near the area to deal with any unforeseen event. Notwithstanding the claims made by the relatives of Rai the district Police sought to play down alleged foul play on the part of the Sukhdeonagar Police. “Who and from which sidebullet was fired (on the fateful night) is a matter of investigation,” maintained Singh.
Incidentally, Rai was killed allegedly after his son had an altercation on Wednesday evening with the few people of his locality over drain a passing through the area. Following the heated argument a group of people attacked the house of Rai who was reportedly hit by a bullet. He succumbed to injury while being taken to RIMS.