What Happened When the Excise Team Was Attacked in Jharkhand?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Excise Department team was attacked while returning from a raid on illegal liquor manufacturing.
- Two accused liquor dealers were freed by a violent mob during the incident.
- Authorities are emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures for law enforcement personnel.
Koderma (Jharkhand), Nov 18 (NationPress) A team from the Jharkhand Excise Department was ambushed while returning from a crackdown on illegal liquor production in Koderma district, as reported by officials on Tuesday.
The mob caused extensive damage to government vehicles, threw stones, and assaulted the security personnel while also liberating two detained individuals involved in the illicit liquor business.
This incident unfolded near Tilaiya Basti late Monday night, within Barhi police station jurisdiction in Hazaribagh district, as the team was heading back from Kanti village, where they had apprehended two men linked to the illegal liquor trade.
Officials revealed that Anil Mahato and Dhanuki Mahato from Barki Dhamrai village were arrested during the raid in Kanti village, located in the Tilaiya Dam OP area. While transporting them back to Koderma, the team lost their way due to poor visibility in the unfamiliar terrain.
Sub Inspector Shivsagar Kumar explained that during this time, some locals allegedly spread a false rumor that a “thief was escaping with a child,” a tactic believed to have stirred the crowd, facilitating the escape of the detained liquor dealers.
Within moments, Kumar noted, villagers from Gudio Vijaya, Tilaiya Basti, and surrounding areas gathered en masse, encircling the team's vehicles.
Officials indicated that as the team tried to leave, the mob suddenly began to throw stones. The situation escalated rapidly, with villagers smashing windows of government vehicles and physically confronting personnel.
In the resulting turmoil, the two accused were forcibly liberated from police custody.
Excise officials reported that several officers were manhandled during the altercation, with some even having their uniforms torn. The team eventually managed to escape the area to prevent further violence.
Barhi police station head Vinod Yadav stated that the police were notified of the incident late at night, but no formal complaint has been lodged thus far.
“An investigation will commence as soon as a written application is received,” he confirmed.