Patna, Sept. 27: A violent clash over plucking leaves from a tree left at least two persons dead and four others seriously injured in Madhubani district, around 175km northeast of Patna, today.

The injured, all residents of Belha village under Phulparas sub-division, have been admitted to the sub-divisional government hospital where two persons are critical.

The trouble began over plucking of leaves from a jackfruit tree by some children from Prasad Mandal's family this morning. A heated argument ensued between families of Prasad Mandal and his neighbour Rajiv Sah.

Agitated over the humiliation, Sah allegedly hired criminals from a nearby village and attacked Mandal's family. In an indiscriminate firing that followed, Mandal's son Rajendra Mandal (22) was killed.

Mandal's supporters then apprehended one assailant and shot him dead. The others fled but four motorbikes were seized. Residents blocked the road, paralysing traffic on Phulparas and Ghoghadih road for over four hours, demanding compensation to the family of the deceased. A police team that came to break the blockade was pelted with stones.

Madhubani district magistrate Raj Kumar and superintendent of police Deepak Barnawal visited the spot.

SP Barnawal said additional armed police forces from nearby Goghardiha, Andhra Math, Laukahi, Khutauni and Laukaha police stations were deployed to bring the situation under control.

The SP said the Phulparas sub-divisional police officer Umeshwar Choudhary has been directed to camp at the village till normalcy returns. He said raids were on to nab Mandal's assailants.

Residents said panchayat representatives had intervened and tried to settle the issue but in vain. The clash between the two families claimed one person from each side.