1 lynched after kanwaria vehicle hits bike

Patna: A 62-year-old man was lynched and six others injured after a vehicle carrying kanwarias from Deoghar hit a motorcyclist near Bharthua turning in Siwan district around 9am on Wednesday.

After the vehicle hit the bike, the motorcyclist called his henchmen from neighbouring villages and they brutally assaulted occupants of the vehicle. The attackers didn't even spare women. One of the injured, Janardan Yadav of Majhwalia village, died in the incident.

The other injured were rushed to Jeradei government primary health centre for treatment.

Dharmendra Yadav told police the attackers were Lohgajar village residents. Those who suffered serious injuries were identified as Santosh Yadav, Vijay Yadav, Dharmendra, Dina, Chhote Sharma and Kanti Devi.

A police officer posted at Jeradei police station said the kanvarias (devotees) were dragged out of the vehicle and brutally beaten up. Later one of the injured succumbed to injuries in hospital. "The police have launched a manhunt for the accused. So far, nobody has been arrested in the case," Siwan superintendent of police N.C. Jha said. He said the offenders would be put behind bars at the earliest. The injured have been referred to Siwan sadar hospital.

A case of road rage has been registered and efforts were on to nab the culprits. The injured have also accused the police of thrashing them at the behest of the attackers.