Patna, Jan 31 (NationPress) After a lengthy 31-year wait, a district court in Darbhanga has condemned five individuals to life imprisonment for their involvement in the Patori massacre that occurred on August 8, 1994. This tragic event claimed the lives of two individuals and left eight others injured.

The residents of Darbhanga still remember the incident with a sense of sorrow.

It was not a clash between rival factions but rather a confrontation among neighbors, ignited by a land disagreement that spiraled into unforeseen violence.

According to Public Prosecutor Amarendra Narayan Jha, the incident unfolded around 6–7 PM when a group of 10–12 farmers from Patori village was on their way home after grazing their cattle.

“They paused to hydrate their livestock at Gunsar Pond, close to the village, when a group of armed assailants from Basant village emerged with axes, spears, and firearms and launched an attack,” Jha recounted.

He detailed how the attackers encircled the farmers, attempting to seize their cattle. When the farmers resisted, the assailants resorted to indiscriminate gunfire.

This assault left ten individuals with severe gunshot injuries. Ramkripal Chaudhary and Rampukar Chaudhary, both from Patori, suffered multiple wounds and were rushed to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH).

Unfortunately, Ramkripal succumbed shortly after arriving, while Rampukar passed away a few days later. Eight others received treatment at DMCH, with many still bearing bullet scars, as noted by the prosecutor.

The police filed an FIR on August 9, 1994, against 13 identified suspects and 10–12 unknown individuals.

During the trial, the court determined that Kausar Imam Hashmi, Ambar Imam Hashmi, Qamar Imam Hashmi (now deceased), and Raja Hashmi were directly implicated in the crime.

Public Prosecutor Amarendra Narayan Jha informed the court of one accused, Rangdar Hashmi, who had fled. “A chargesheet was prepared for the remaining 12 suspects. Two additional accused went missing during the trial, and five died while the case was pending. Ultimately, five were found guilty,” he stated.

On January 31, 2026, the judgment was delivered by Third Additional District and Sessions Judge Suman Kumar Diwakar at the Darbhanga Civil Court.

The convicted individuals include Ambar Imam Hashmi (a notable lawyer), Anjar Imam Hashmi, Raja Imam Hashmi, Mobin Hashmi, and Kausar Imam Hashmi (a former public prosecutor).

Each of the five received a sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. Should they fail to pay the fine, an additional year of imprisonment will be imposed.

After a drawn-out legal battle spanning over three decades, the families of the victims have finally attained justice through this court ruling.