A disturbing incident in the Vaishali district of Bihar has cast a spotlight on the conduct of law enforcement officials amidst the state's liquor ban. Near Banthu village on the Hajipur-Muzaffarpur NH-22, within the jurisdiction of the Bhagwanpur police station, a police sub-inspector allegedly under the influence of alcohol opened fire on an army soldier. While the soldier, Rajneesh Kumar, managed to escape the bullet, he sustained an eye injury from the discharge of gunpowder during the close-range firing.
The Sequence of Events
Reports indicate that a car bearing a police sticker veered off the road and became stuck. The occupant, who identified himself as a sub-inspector, approached a nearby house to seek help following the accident. When local residents gathered to assist, the man reportedly began using abusive language. Rajneesh Kumar, an army jawan present at the scene, intervened to protest the man's behavior. In an act of unprovoked aggression, the officer allegedly pulled out his weapon and fired at the soldier at point-blank range.
Police Intervention
The sound of the gunshot drew a crowd of locals to the scene, who promptly alerted the Bhagwanpur police. Upon arrival, officers took the accused into custody. Sources suggest that his service revolver was seized along with a bottle of alcohol recovered from his vehicle. The accused is currently being interrogated by the authorities regarding the incident.
Accused Identity and Implications
Locals have identified the individual as Deepak Kumar, a sub-inspector reportedly posted in Forbesganj, Araria district. It appears he was traveling in a private vehicle when the accident occurred. Although the police department has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter, the incident has once again ignited intense debate concerning the efficacy of Bihar's liquor prohibition policy and the accountability of the police force.
