Flood victims block national highway in northern India, clash with police as tensions escalate

October 5, 2024

by Aditi Verma

Flood victims in northern India’s Bihar blocked NH-77, demanding relief and compensation from the administration. A clash erupted between the protestors and police, leading to a baton charge and retaliatory violence.

The incident took place near Gopalpur village, which falls under the Bedaul outpost (OP) in the Aurai police station area of Muzaffarpur district on October 4.

Visuals showed the police moved in to disperse the protesters blocking NH-77, chaos erupted. Officers advanced with batons raised, attempting to control the situation. In response, the agitated villagers fought back, wielding sticks and throwing stones. The air was filled with shouts and cries, creating a cacophony of confusion and anger. The scene was tense, with protesters and police clashing, each side determined to assert their position. Dust rose from the ground as the crowd surged and pushed, creating a palpable atmosphere of unrest. The clash painted a vivid picture of desperation and frustration, as both parties engaged in a fierce struggle amidst the chaos.

According to reports, villagers from the severely flood affected Gopalpur area demanded urgent relief, including food, water, and medical aid, which they claimed had not been provided despite days of suffering. They also sought compensation for the damages caused by the flood.

Tensions flared when the police arrived to clear the roadblock, resulting in a confrontation. Police resorted to baton charges to disperse the crowd, which was met with retaliation from the villagers using sticks. Although there were reports of gunfire, the police dismissed them as rumors.

SP Vidya Sagar stated that the police used minimal force to remove the blockade and restore traffic. He also confirmed that no shots were fired during the incident. The protest highlights the increasing frustration among the flood-affected people over the slow administrative response to the crisis.

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