Two killed, six hurt as Scorpio mows down crowd in Bihar's Bhojpur over Chhath song row
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Two people were killed and six others were injured after a Scorpio SUV allegedly drove into a crowd of villagers at Ramdiha village in Bhojpur district, Bihar, on Diwali night, following a dispute over the playing of Chhath songs at a local temple, police said. The incident, which unfolded on the premises of the village's Surya Mandir under Bihiya police station limits, has sparked a criminal investigation.
Who Were the Victims
The deceased have been identified as Dinesh Yadav, 55, and his younger brother Kamlesh Yadav, 50, both sons of Ramnaresh Yadav and residents of Ramdiha village. The two brothers sustained critical injuries and died while being transported to Sadar Hospital. Among those injured are Rajesh Kumar, his son Ritu Kumar, Krishna Kumar, Ramesh Yadav, and one other person, all of whom were rushed to hospital for treatment.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to local sources, villagers had gathered at the Surya Mandir and were playing traditional Chhath songs when a man arrived and objected to the loud music. An argument broke out between him and the villagers, following which he allegedly left the scene. He reportedly returned shortly afterwards driving a Scorpio and allegedly drove the vehicle into the assembled crowd, triggering panic and chaos at the temple premises.
Notably, Jagdishpur Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Ravi Kumar offered a slightly different account of the moment of impact, stating that the two men were crushed when the Scorpio was being reversed. 'The deceased include 55-year-old Dinesh Yadav and 50-year-old Kamlesh Yadav, both sons of Ramnaresh Yadav and residents of Ramdiha village under Bihiya police station limits. Among the injured are Rajesh Kumar, his son Ritu Kumar, Krishna Kumar, Ramesh Yadav and one other person. We are investigating the matter,' SDPO Kumar said.
Investigation Under Way
Police reached the spot after receiving information and brought the situation under control. The bodies were taken into custody and sent for post-mortem examination. The accused allegedly fled the scene after the incident and had not been apprehended as of the latest available information.
SDPO Kumar added that the two families involved in the dispute are related to each other. Investigators are examining the immediate cause of the altercation and whether any longstanding family dispute also played a role. This comes amid a broader pattern of festive-season altercations in rural Bihar, where disputes over noise levels and community gatherings have previously escalated into violence.
What Happens Next
Authorities are pursuing the accused and gathering witness statements from those present at the Surya Mandir. Post-mortem reports are expected to formally establish the cause of death. With the two families reportedly known to each other, investigators are also probing any pre-existing grievances that may have contributed to the confrontation.