Armed gang attacks wedding in Jamui; kills bride’s aunt, injures six

Patna: A wedding house in Jamui district turned into a crime scene on Sunday night when 10–15 masked criminals armed with swords, sharp weapons and pistols stormed in, looted jewellery and opened fire, killing a woman and injuring six others.The incident occurred at Dadpur village under Jhajha police station area, where preparations were underway for a wedding scheduled on July 1. Police said the attack appears to be linked to a property dispute.The deceased was identified as Baby Devi (35), aunt of the bride, Kajal Kumari. Among the injured is the bride’s mother, Suhaga Devi, who sustained a gunshot wound in the leg. Others injured include Kajal Kumari, Komal Kumari and Subodh Kumar, all relatives of the bride.

The injured are undergoing treatment at Jhajha sadar hospital.Family members said the attack took place around midnight when the house door was opened. Baby Devi’s husband, Umesh Yadav, said the family was sleeping on the terrace when his brother Vasudev Yadav opened the door. “As soon as the door opened, about 15 masked men entered with him,” he alleged.Bride Kajal Kumari said the attackers attempted to snatch jewellery kept for the wedding.

“My uncle and mother resisted. The assailants then opened fire. My aunt died on the spot and my mother was shot in the leg,” she said.The bride’s father, Dinesh Yadav, alleged that the attack was orchestrated by his elder brother Vasudev Yadav over a land partition dispute. He said he was at Jhajha market for wedding shopping when the incident took place. The family claimed they identified Vasudev Yadav, Subhash Yadav, Manoj Yadav and others among the attackers.Relatives further alleged that Vasudev Yadav, a resident of Yogiatila village, had been staying at the house with associates for several days prior to the attack.Jhajha SHO Mintu Singh said police have inspected the crime spot and recorded statements of the injured and family members. “An FIR has been registered against more than a dozen persons, including the bride’s uncle and his family members. The accused have fled. Raids are on to arrest them. Action will be taken based on evidence,” he said.