Peak summer heat triggers water war, axe attack leaves 8 injured in Sukhi Sewania

Bhopal: A dispute over borewell water turned violent in Sukhi Sewania past midnight on Saturday, leaving eight members of a family and their relatives injured after they were allegedly attacked with axes by neighbours.

The incident occurred in Nirja Nagar, Omkara Sewania. Tensions had been brewing after Manish Lodhi, 35, reportedly stopped his neighbour’s family from drawing water from his borewell due to falling groundwater levels amid peak summer heat.

According to police officials from Sukhi Sewania police station, the accused — Mantulal Lodhi, his wife Parabai, and sons Rajesh and Krishna — did not have a borewell and had been relying on Manish’s from quite some time.

With water levels dropping sharply, Manish’s family stopped giving them water a few days ago. Around 12:30 am Saturday, the four accused reached Manish’s house and started abusing the family, police said. When asked to stop, they allegedly attacked with axes.

Family members alleged Parabai threw chilli powder at them before the assault. They said the accused then attacked anyone who tried to intervene. Eight people, including four women and four men, were injured. Manish’s wife Monika Bai suffered a serious head injury after being struck with an axe. Manish’s father Suresh, Lakshmibai, Seema and Dhaniram sustained fractures and deep wounds. Five remain under treatment while three were discharged after first aid.

Police have registered a case of attempt to murder and launched a search for the accused. The incident underscores growing pressure on groundwater resources, with falling borewell levels increasingly sparking disputes in several localities. Further investigations are underway.