Bihar: Families of those who died in the Katihar’s Barsoi firing incident in Katihar last year are still seeking justice. Despite a year having passed, the police have not made any arrests, and the culprits remain unidentified. The families of the two deceased have yet to receive post-mortem reports. Manikchand Sah, the father of one of the victims, Sonu Sah, states that they have not received any compensation from the administration.
Protests Against Irregular Electricity Supply
On July 26 last year, residents of Barsoi in Katihar protested against irregular electricity supply. The situation escalated, leading to a firing incident that claimed the lives of Sonu Sah and Mohammad Khurshid, and injured Mohammad Niaz. Niaz’s brother, Shahnawaz, mentioned that they spent around 2 million rupees on Niaz’s treatment in Siliguri, but received no assistance from the administration. Niaz lost an eye and his ability to speak properly due to the bullet wound.
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Khalid, the brother of Mohammad Khurshid, echoed the lack of compensation even after a year. The families recounted how political leaders had promised compensation, but none has been provided.
The Barsoi firing incident remains a mystery, with no arrests made so far. The victims’ families claim that the district administration is misleading them with video footage. Frustrated with the lack of justice, they demand a CBI inquiry and appeal for justice.
Local Representatives Demand Justice
Local representatives revealed that after the incident, the police filed cases against the deceased and several people involved in the protest against irregular electricity supply. Muazzam Hussain, the President of Barsoi Block Mukhia Sangh and the Mukhia of Imadpur Panchayat, described the cases as false. Local Zila Parishad member Gulzar Alam labeled the firing as police-led murder and held the district administration accountable.
Barsoi Sub-Divisional Police Officer Ajay Kumar mentioned that the case supervision was done by Sadar DSP, who is also the investigative officer. When contacted, the Sadar DSP claimed to have limited knowledge as he was new to the area. Katihar SP Jitendra Kumar responded to inquiries about the case by saying, “Why dig up old cases?”
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