ASI Opens Fire Over Land Dispute, One Killed, Three Injured; Cop Arrested In MP’s Rajgarh

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) allegedly opened fire during a land dispute in Iklara village of Rajgarh district on Sunday afternoon, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to three others. ASI Dilip Kumbhkar, who has been arrested, is accused of the shooting. A video purportedly showing Kumbhkar firing a rifle has surfaced on social media.

The deceased, Deepak Mohbe, died during treatment at Shujalpur. The three injured individuals are Satish Jatav, Mukesh Jatav and Santosh Jatav. Satish and Mukesh are currently in the ICU, while Santosh has been discharged after receiving primary treatment. According to reports, Deepak was negotiating to purchase a plot of land from Gulabbai Sharma, a widow.

Deepak claimed that Kumbhkar had acquired the adjacent land and had encroached upon Gulabbai's plot. A complaint regarding the alleged encroachment was lodged at the Iklara police outpost. Santosh stated that Deepak had gone to Talen police station on August 13 to inquire about the complaint, where Kumbhkar threatened to shoot him.

On Sunday, when Deepak arrived at the disputed plot, an argument erupted between him and the ASI. Satish, Mukesh and Santosh attempted to intervene, leading to Kumbhkar opening fire and causing bullet injuries to Deepak, Mukesh and Satish. Kumbhkar, who has been posted in Shajapur district since 2021, is currently in police custody.

Talen police station in-charge, Dharmveer Palaia, confirmed the arrest and the registration of a murder and attempt to murder case against Kumbhkar, adding that the weapon has been seized. Excise teams are also conducting raids at liquor shops following reports of illegal sales at some locations in Bhopal on a dry day observed on August 15.