Village head, supporters open fire in UP over land dispute; 9 killed
A village head and his supporters allegedly opened fire on a rival group over a land dispute in Ghorawal area at Sonebhadra, Uttar Pradesh, killing nine people, including three women, and leaving 19 injured on Wednesday (July 17), police said.
The incident occurred in Sapahi village. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the DGP to monitor the case and ensure effective action against the culprits, officials said. Police said that Sapahi village head Yagya Dutt and his supporters allegedly opened fire on the victims following a quarrel over a long pending land dispute, police said.
Sonbhadra: Casualties reported after firing between two groups over a land dispute in Ghorawal today; District Magistrate Ankit Kumar Agarwal says, "We can't tell exact numbers as of now. 9 persons brought to District Hospital. Some are injured & some are dead." pic.twitter.com/QDeL1QylFK
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 17, 2019
“Nine persons have been killed and 19 injured in the incident of firing,” District Magistrate Ankit Kumar Agarwal said. The injured have been rushed to the hospital where the condition of some of them was stated to be critical.
CM takes cognisance of the incident in Sonbhadra (firing b/w 2 groups over a land dispute) & expressed condolences to family of deceased; directed DM to provide immediate medical attention to injured. He also directed DGP to personally monitor the case & ensure effective action. pic.twitter.com/qfG1tk7XP4
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 17, 2019
Taking prompt note of the matter, the chief minister directed the district magistrate of Sonbhadra to provide immediate medical attention to the injured, an official spokesperson said in Lucknow. “The CM has also directed the DGP to personally monitor the case and ensure effective action to catch the culprits,” he added.