Patna: An army jawan and his father were allegedly shot dead by a relative over a long-running land dispute in Vaishali district on Sunday. The dispute centred on a pathway and a piece of land. The incident took place at Rajaso village under the Bidupur police station area.The deceased were identified as Munarik Rai, 60, and his son Jitendra Kumar, 35, who was serving in the Indian Army and had recently returned from Rajasthan. The accused, Jagdish Rai, is Munarik’s nephew.Police said the dispute between Munarik and Jagdish had been simmering for some time, with both families living in the same house. A few days ago, Jagdish allegedly blocked the exit route from Munarik’s house, prompting the latter to approach the police. A Dial 112 team reached the spot and pacified both sides. Although Jagdish had agreed to clear the passage, he allegedly failed to do so.Family members said tensions escalated after Jitendra returned to the village. On Saturday night, another argument broke out between Jagdish and Munarik, during which Jagdish allegedly threatened to kill his uncle.According to the family, Jagdish allegedly opened fire on Munarik during the dispute. Hearing the gunshots, Jitendra rushed to the spot, following which Jagdish allegedly shot him as well. Munarik died on the spot, while Jitendra succumbed to his injuries during treatment at the Sadar hospital.SDPO Subodh Kumar said, “In a mutual dispute, the nephew shot dead his uncle and his army jawan cousin. The dispute between the two families was over a pathway. They clashed last night as well. When police got information and reached, the accused had already fled.”Jitendra had come home to attend his brother-in-law’s funeral.
