In a shocking escalation during a routine crackdown, a team from the Excise Department in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district faced fierce resistance from villagers in Argundi village near Chaibasa. The incident unfolded on March 3, leaving Assistant Sub-Inspector Mantu Agarwal seriously wounded after a brutal attack with sharp weapons.
The team had received credible intelligence about illegal liquor distillation at a house along the Chaibasa-Chakradharpur road. An 8-10 member squad arrived at the spot to verify and seize operations. As they began searching the premises, a man inside suddenly lunged at them with a sharp-edged weapon, targeting Agarwal with deep cuts to his neck and back.
Chaos erupted immediately. Fellow officers barely escaped with their lives, retreating amid rising panic. Word spread like wildfire through the village, drawing a mob armed with bows, arrows, and traditional weapons. They chased away the officials, forcing a hasty withdrawal to avoid further violence.
Agarwal was rushed to Chaibasa Sadar Hospital, where doctors stabilized his condition. Excise Commissioner Niranjan Tiwari visited the injured officer, assuring support. Meanwhile, Chaibasa Muffasil police station swung into action under SHO Vinod Kumar. A team reached Argundi to investigate, claiming to have detained one suspect, though official confirmation is pending.
This brazen assault highlights the growing dangers faced by enforcement teams in remote areas where illicit liquor trade thrives. Authorities vow stricter measures, but the incident raises questions about officer safety and community resistance to anti-smuggling drives. Local police continue probing, promising arrests soon.