Jabalpur farmer shot in abdomen over old rivalry, accused absconding
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A farmer was critically injured after being shot in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur district on Saturday, 30 May, when an alleged assailant opened fire following a verbal altercation, police said. The accused, identified as Ramnarayan Patel, fled the scene on a motorcycle and remains absconding.
How the Incident Unfolded
The shooting took place in Khamdehi village under the limits of Patan police station at around 8:30 am. The victim, Dharmendra Raikwar, was on his way to his fields when he stopped near a newly constructed community centre to water the premises.
According to police, Patel arrived at the spot on a motorcycle and confronted Raikwar. A verbal argument quickly escalated, after which Patel allegedly produced a country-made pistol and fired at Raikwar. The bullet struck Raikwar in the abdomen, leaving him critically injured.
Victim Rushed to Jabalpur Medical College
Villagers who heard the gunshot rushed to the scene and transported Raikwar to the Patan Health Centre. Given the severity of his condition, he was subsequently referred to Jabalpur Medical College for further treatment. Police reached the hospital shortly after and recorded his statement.
Old Enmity Behind the Attack
During questioning, Raikwar told investigators that a dispute with labourers working on Patel's farm nearly six months ago had led to a physical clash between both parties — the apparent root of the rivalry.
Patan SHO Gopendra Singh Baghel said, 'The accused appears to have come prepared and attacked the victim after spotting him alone near the community centre. Preliminary investigation suggests the firing was linked to an old enmity between the two.'
Case Registered, Raids Underway
Police have registered a case of attempt to murder along with provisions of the Arms Act. SHO Baghel confirmed that 'multiple teams are conducting raids to arrest the accused.' The country-made pistol used in the attack has not yet been recovered.
As a precautionary measure, security has been tightened in Khamdehi village to prevent any further escalation. The case underscores a recurring pattern of agrarian disputes in the region turning violent — this incident follows a series of similar farm-linked confrontations reported in Madhya Pradesh over the past year. Investigators say the next critical step is tracing Patel's whereabouts and securing the weapon.