Patna (Bihar): Four members of the same family sustained gunshot injuries after a violent clash broke out between two groups over a land dispute in Hiranandpur village, under the jurisdiction of Didarganj police station in Patna, on Saturday afternoon, IANS reported. The incident, which took place on Chhoti Diwali, triggered panic in the village.

Source: IANS via Asia Post

According to preliminary information, the incident took place around 2 pm when a tractor was ploughing a field in the village. An argument erupted between two parties over the ownership and cultivation of the land, and the dispute escalated into a violent confrontation during which gunshots were fired.

The injured have been identified as Bhola Kumar, Sudhir Kumar, Kaushal Kumar and Dwarika Prasad. All four sustained bullet injuries and were rushed to Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) in Patna, where they are undergoing treatment, IANS reported.

Source: IANS via Asia Post

Three individuals have allegedly been accused of opening fire during the confrontation. Police said their identities and the exact circumstances leading to the shooting are yet to be officially established. A police team from Didarganj police station reached the spot and initiated an investigation, examining the history of the land dispute and the circumstances surrounding the tractor-ploughing operation.

Local residents say the dispute over the property had lingered for months, with both sides claiming ownership, Report Wire reported. It said a police team led by SDPO Avdhesh Kumar is examining the circumstances of the gunfire and the identities of the shooters. A video that emerged after the incident allegedly shows several individuals wielding rifles; police have not verified the clip, the report said.

Source: Report Wire

Police said they are scanning CCTV footage of the area and have taken statements from the injured. The condition of the injured is being monitored, and further action will be taken on the basis of the investigation's findings, officials said.