Five people were killed and several others injured in an altercation, stemming from a dispute over cow grazing rights, between two persons, Prakash Dangi and Pritam Pal, on a local farm in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday.
“The death toll has surged to five as a result of a fierce gun battle”The incident took place in Reda village of the Civil Line police station area in Datia, Police officers rushed to the spot to bring the situation into control. A police camp was set up in the area as panic and fear gripped the villagers.
”The two groups fought over driving away cattle from their agricultural land two days ago. They had called a panchayat meeting on Wednesday to settle the matter, but the arguments turned into a fight before they started firing at each other,” the SP said.
Citing the initial investigation, Datia Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Sharma said there was an altercation between one Prakash Dangi and Preetam Pal over the grazing of domestic animals three days ago.
Members of the two communities once again faced off on Wednesday morning and engaged in a shootout, which left five dead and eight grievously injured, he said.
Five people died on the spot and the fifth victim succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital. After the incident, the situation in the village was stated to be tense. As a preventive step, a large contingent of police force has been deployed at the village.
Police have registered a case under relevant sections at the Civil Lines police station. The bodies have been sent to the district hospital for post-mortem examination.
