Elderly man beaten to death over old land dispute in Purnia

Patna: A long-running land dispute turned deadly in Purnia district as a 62-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death with sticks by his neighbours at Mishrinagar village under Jalalgarh police station on Friday night.

The deceased was identified as Brahmadev Rishi.According to family members, a dispute over a village road had been going on between the two parties for nearly one-and-a-half years. Several attempts to resolve the issue through panchayat-level talks failed.The victim’s son alleged that during the confrontation, neighbour Mantu Rishi and his wife, Kiran Devi, attacked his father with sticks, causing severe injuries.

He was rushed to a private hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.Police said the accused couple fled their house soon after the incident. The victim’s family has demanded their immediate arrest and strict action.Deepak Kumar, SHO of Jalalgarh police station, said police received information about the death on Saturday morning. “The body has been sent for post-mortem. Statements of the family are being recorded and further legal action is underway. The victim had some health ailments; the exact cause of death will be confirmed after the medical report,” he said.