Six people were injured in a violent clash over a land dispute in the Khattimari area of Dhupguri on Thursday morning. The incident has created tension in the area ahead of the Assembly elections.
The clash took place under Jharalata-2 gram panchayat when a dispute between two neighbouring families escalated into violence.
Dispute turns violent
According to allegations, a local resident went to work on his agricultural land in the morning and found that an embankment beside his land had been cut. He suspected a neighbour and went to question him.
This led to a heated argument between the two sides, which soon turned into a physical fight. Both groups allegedly attacked each other using sticks, bamboo, and spades.
As a result, six people from both sides were seriously injured. Locals rescued the injured and took them to the Dhupguri sub-divisional hospital for treatment.
Conflicting claims, probe on
Police from the Dhupguri police station reached the hospital after receiving information. Two of the injured were later shifted to Jalpaiguri district hospital as their condition was critical.
The landowner said, "When I went to work on my land in the morning, I saw the embankment had been cut. When I protested, they attacked me with spades, bamboo, and sticks. They beat me. When my wife tried to save me, she was also beaten."
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However, the neighbour's son gave a different version. He said, "There was no land dispute. When my father went to work on the land, they suddenly attacked us. When we tried to save him, we were also attacked. Around 20 to 25 people were involved."
Police said an investigation has been started to ascertain the facts. Surveillance has been increased in the area as tension continues following the incident.
