Bihar Army Soldier Dies of Burn Injuries; Villagers Protest in Ramgarh
Army soldier Shatrudhan Yadav died after an alleged petrol attack in Kaimur; villagers protested in Ramgarh, and police have arrested three of seven named accused.
An Army soldier who was allegedly set on fire inside a vehicle in Bihar's Kaimur district has died of his injuries, prompting angry protests in his village and demands for strict action against those responsible.
Shatrudhan Yadav, a resident of Sahuka village under Ramgarh police station, died on Wednesday evening while undergoing treatment, eight days after the attack. According to preliminary information, he had been called to Ramgarh over a dispute reportedly linked to a financial transaction.
It is alleged that he was locked inside a Scorpio, doused with petrol and set on fire. Critically injured, he was first taken to the Trauma Centre in Varanasi. Doctors there referred him to an Army hospital in Lucknow in view of his condition, where he died during treatment.
News of his death triggered anger in Sahuka village. On Thursday, a large number of residents marched towards Ramgarh, raising slogans against the police administration and demanding stringent punishment for those responsible. The protesters blocked the road at Durga Chowk, disrupting traffic for around five hours. Some also gathered near the Ramgarh police station and threatened to lay siege to the premises.
With the situation tense, additional security personnel were deployed at key locations in Ramgarh. The SDM and DSP remained at the spot along with other police officials as efforts were made to pacify the protesters.
Superintendent of Police Shikhar Chaudhary assured the protesters that action would be taken against those found guilty, and promised an inquiry into the role of the Station House Officer. According to police, seven people have been named as accused in the case. Three have been arrested and sent to jail, while four others remain absconding. Police said efforts were underway to locate and arrest the remaining accused.
Following the assurances given by the SP, the protesters called off their demonstration, and traffic movement returned to normal after about five hours. The police are continuing their investigation into the alleged attack, including the circumstances surrounding the financial dispute and the role of each of the accused.