Asraf Ansari. Picture by Shahnawaz Akhtar

Giridih, Jan. 11: Asraf Ansari finds it hard to erase the memory of his uncle’s killing that took place in front of his eyes yesterday.

But the nine-year-old not only helped the police put the killer — Md Jeewan Ansari — behind bars, he also identified Jeewan’s aides.

Haider Ansari (24), who used to work in Surat, had come to his native village in Dewatand, under Bengabad police station, a month ago. Last week, he had a heated argument with some alleged land grabbers, especially with Md Jeewan Ansari.

At 8am on Saturday, Haider got into another verbal duel with Jeewan. “At 8.30am, at least 30 people armed with sticks, rods and axes reached Dewatand and dragged Haider to Chunglo”, said uncle of the deceased Nasir.

“When we tried to stop them, constable Raibul Ansari told us not to support Haider. He said Jeewan would be punished,” added Nasir.

“They brought mama to Chunglo and started beating him mercilessly with sticks, rods and axes,” Asraf said.

When the killers had left, Asraf informed the villagers and later the police. Not only did the minor identify Raibul and Jeewan, he also named Jeewan’s aides Hussain, Anwar, Bangi and Huttu.

“This is not the first time that land grabbers have injured or killed somebody in the village. For the past 10 years they have made life a living hell for innocent villagers. The criminals had also beaten the mother of Haider, Sanjida Bibi, who later died,” said Kadir, brother of the victim.

He alleged that they were threatened when they try to contact the police.

Villagers said Jeewan and others had also tortured one Mashraf Mia who had to leave the village four years ago. His eight-acre land and house was confiscated illegally. Last year, they broke one Asgar Ansari’s leg when he opposed them.

After the incident, Bengabad police had started some face-saving exercises and arrested Jeewan, but he was booked under petty crimes and let off easily, alleged villagers.