Nagri carnage trial leads to CPI ML – Ranvbir Sena clash

Ranveer Sena goons training children in using fire arms in Bihar

PATNA: After a long gap the two traditional rivals – the CPI(ML) and Ranvbir Sena (the outlawed private army of landlords) have once again
clashed on their home turf – Bhojpur. Nagri under Charpokhri police station is a bloodstained spot where 11 Dalits and backwards were gunned down in a bazaar by Sena gunmen m in May 1998. On Tuesday night, the supporters of two rival groups clashed and gunshots were fired at Nagri.

Police said men from the upper caste demolished a raised platform at the village where Dalits used to squat. The ML supporters retaliated and attacked Sena supporters. According to locals, the situation at the village is tense.

“Some shot were fired in the air and there was no casualty,” ADG (HQ) Neelmani TOI on Thursday. He said cases had been filed by both sides and Bhojpur SP Sunil Kumar had rushed to the village. He said four persons have been arrested in connection with the clash.

Neelmani said the immediate provocation for clash was the trial of the Nagri carnage case. The Sena people had allegedly threatened the witnesses and targeted one Shivkumar Ram, an ML supporter and sarpanch, who is also an eyewitness to the 11-years-old carnage.

The Bhojpur SP, who returned from Nagri on Thursday, said forces have been deployed at the village and security was being provided to the witnesses against any possible attack. He confirmed that the rival groups exchanged fire.

“The Sena supporters have been threatening the Dalits and backwards of the village of dire consequences if they go to the court,” alleged CPI(ML) Bhojpur district secretary Amar. “They are warning of another massacre and fired shot to terrorise poor villagers,” he added.

Amar said some of the accused, who had been arrested, were on bail but still several named accused were absconding. “Sena chief Brahmeshwar Singh is also an accused in this case,” he added. He said the clash has caused tension at the village.

CPI(ML) sources said the Sena supporters damaged a culvert and in the ensuing clash 30 rounds were fired by them. In retaliation, ML supporters and villagers blocked the Ara-Sasaram highway. Unconfirmed reports said two youths were injured in the clash and a mob looted a shop. TOI