Patna Tragedy: Two Drown After Dozens Jump Into Punpun River During Police Raid

Phulwari Sharif: There was chaos during police action against illegal liquor in Behrawan Chakia village of Pipra police station area of ​​Patna. Seeing the police, many people started running and some jumped into the Punpun River. According to the police, during the action some people escaped by jumping into the river. In this incident, two people died due to drowning. Regarding the identity of the deceased, different information about age and address has emerged in different reports. 

Why did the stampede occur during the police action?

This action of the police was part of the ongoing campaign against illegal liquor trade in Behrawan Chakia area. Earlier, an incident of attack on a police team had come to light in the same area. According to the police, a team of four police stations conducted an operation in the village and around Punpun River. During the operation many suspects started running away and some jumped into the river. 

Was the police attacked?

Earlier, there was an incident of pelting of stones by a mob of villagers on the police team which had come to take action against liquor. According to the police, many policemen were injured in this attack and police vehicles were also damaged. According to another report, the mob had rescued five people taken into police custody. After the incident, the police again started action in the area with additional force. 

What happened to those who jumped into the river?

According to the police, during the raid some people jumped into the Punpun River to avoid arrest. Two of these people drowned. According to news agency Bhasha, the dead included an elderly man and a 17-year-old youth. The bodies of both were recovered and sent for post-mortem. The matter is being investigated in detail. 

What allegations did the villagers make against the police?

After the incident, it was alleged by the villagers that during the police action, bricks and stones were also thrown towards the river, due to which the people who jumped into the river had difficulty in coming out. However, this allegation has not been independently confirmed. On the other hand, the police claim that during the action, people involved in the illegal liquor business were running away and some escaped by jumping into the river.

What did the police find in the raid?

During Sunday's operation, police informed that they recovered a country-made pistol and three cartridges. The police also recovered or destroyed a large quantity of illicit liquor and materials used in making liquor. According to officials, around 1,000 liters of finished Mahua liquor were recovered, while more than 10,000 liters of semi-finished liquor and construction materials were destroyed. 

How many people were arrested?

A large number of people were detained after the police action. Different reports put the number of people arrested between 30 and 38. Police are now identifying those involved in the earlier attack and the illicit liquor trade. An additional police force is deployed in the area and raids are going on in search of absconding accused.