Bihar: Man Shot Over Cigarette Dispute, Villagers Beat Up Accused

Jehanabad, Bihar: A minor dispute over smoking a cigarette turned violent in Jehanabad, Bihar, when a man was shot by two locals after being asked not to smoke. The incident occurred in Tulshipur village of Makhdumpur, leaving the victim seriously injured.

According to reports, the altercation began Saturday night when Vimlesh Yadav was smoking near the home of 22-year-old Putush Yadav. When Putush asked him not to smoke, a heated argument ensued. The next afternoon, the dispute escalated dramatically. Vimlesh, along with his cousin Montu alias Vicky, allegedly chased Putush and opened fire at him near Shripur. Putush sustained gunshot wounds to his hand and leg and was referred to Magadh Medical College for treatment.

Angry villagers quickly intervened, catching the fleeing accused and thrashing them before the police arrived. Both Vimlesh and Montu were subsequently taken into custody and admitted to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the mob beating.

Police recovered two locally made firearms (desi kattes) and cartridges from the accused. The Makhdumpur police have registered a case and are investigating all aspects of the incident, including the involvement of the accused in planning the attack.