Katihar Tensions Escalate After Arrest of Village Head in Youth Murder Case

Katihar (Bihar):
Tension gripped Bihar’s Katihar district on Tuesday evening following the arrest of a village head (Mukhiya) accused in the murder of a young man whose body was allegedly dumped in a pond. The arrest triggered massive protests as hundreds of supporters gathered outside the Azamnagar police station, accusing the police of acting under political pressure.

According to police officials, the arrested Mukhiya, Abu Talib, is a named accused in the murder case and had been absconding for several weeks. The police maintain that the arrest was carried out strictly on legal grounds.

Supporters Stage Protest

Soon after the arrest, a large number of supporters reached the police station and began shouting slogans, demanding his immediate release. The protesters alleged that the police action was politically motivated and demanded a fresh investigation into the case.

Security arrangements were tightened to prevent any untoward incident, as the situation remained tense for several hours.

Details of the Murder Case

The incident pertains to the murder of 20-year-old Asad, a resident of Siktiya village under Bariya Panchayat. The victim was allegedly killed and his body thrown into a nearby pond.

Following the incident, Asad’s father filed a complaint in court, after which an FIR was registered at Azamnagar police station on the court’s directions.

In a significant development, the body was exhumed nearly 70 days after burial in the presence of a magistrate and sent to Bhagalpur for post-mortem examination, strengthening the investigation.

Police Defend Action

Police officials stated that repeated raids had been conducted earlier, but the accused had evaded arrest for months. After sustained efforts, Abu Talib was finally apprehended from Siktiya village.

“The accused is a history-sheeter and was directly involved in the murder. His arrest has been made strictly in accordance with the law,” police sources said.

Further Arrests Expected

Police confirmed that raids are ongoing to arrest the remaining accused named in the case. Meanwhile, protesters continued to demand a reinvestigation, stating their faith in the legal system but insisting that the truth be brought out fully.

The administration remains on alert as the situation continues to be closely monitored.