Three cops injured in Supaul mob attack

Patna: A police team was attacked with sticks and iron rods in Raghopur police station area of Supaul district late Saturday night, leaving three police personnel injured. Assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Anjay Kumar, woman home guard Kajal Kumari and constable Nitesh Kumar sustained injuries in the assault. The ASI suffered a head injury and required five stitches. The attackers also damaged a govt vehicle during the incident.

The attack took place at Mahadalit Tola under Raghopur police station area. Police said nine suspects have been detained for questioning.

According to police, an excise department team had received information that some youths were creating a disturbance under the influence of alcohol in Ward No. 4 of Raghopur panchayat on Saturday night. When the excise team reached the spot, villagers and anti-social elements allegedly began pelting stones, forcing the team to retreat without taking action.

Later, a regular patrol vehicle of Raghopur police station passed through the same route. Seeing several youths and motorcycles on the road late at night, patrol in charge ASI Anjay Kumar stopped to question them and asked them to return home. Police said the youths began arguing and soon gathered local villagers.

Within minutes, around 30 to 35 men and women armed with lathis, bamboo sticks, axes and sickles allegedly surrounded and attacked the police team. The mob smashed the windows, lights and body of the police vehicle.

ASI Anjay Kumar sustained head injuries during the assault, while home guards Kajal Kumari and Nitesh Kumar were also beaten with sticks. The ASI later informed the police station through his mobile phone, following which Raghopur SHO Amit Kumar Rai reached the spot with additional force. The attackers fled after the arrival of more police personnel.

Initial reports suggested that a service rifle of the woman home guard had been snatched. However, police later clarified that constable Nitesh Kumar had fled in another direction with the rifle due to panic during the attack. The rifle was later recovered safely from bushes near a canal around 50 metres from the spot.

Late at night, Supaul SP Sharath R S and Veerpur SDPO Surendra Kumar reached the area with heavy police force. The injured personnel are stated to be out of danger.

Police said an FIR was registered at Raghopur police station based on the statement of injured ASI Anjay Kumar.