Father Denies Land Share, Murders Son in Broad Daylight
Bettiah, March 20, 2026 — A long-standing family property dispute culminated in a horrific tragedy on Friday morning in Bihar’s West Champaran district. A father, aided by his eldest son, allegedly murdered his 40-year-old son using an iron spear in Bhitaha-Mathia village, under the jurisdiction of the Bairia police station.
The brutal attack also left two other siblings severely injured as they attempted to intervene and save their brother.
A Feud Over Land Distribution
The deceased has been identified as 40-year-old Vijay Patel. According to the victim’s mother, the violence stemmed from a bitter, long-running disagreement over the division of the family’s land. She alleged that her husband, Suresh Patel, was adamant about not giving a legitimate share of the property to his younger sons.
The tension reached a boiling point on Friday morning when Suresh Patel, along with his eldest son Ajay Patel and his grandsons, allegedly blocked the pathway directly in front of their house. This provocation triggered a fierce argument that rapidly escalated into a deadly physical altercation.
Speared to Death on the Spot
During the chaotic clash, Vijay Patel was allegedly struck with an iron spear and died on the spot. His younger brothers, 38-year-old Akhilesh Patel and 35-year-old Kamlesh Patel, rushed in to break up the fight but were also subjected to a violent assault.
Both injured brothers were rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Bettiah, where they are currently undergoing critical medical treatment.
Accused on the Run
Immediately following the gruesome murder, the accused—the father, the eldest brother, and the nephews—fled the scene to evade arrest.
Confirming the incident, Bettiah SDPO-2 Rajnish Priyadarshi stated that the violent clash between the father and sons was strictly the result of a domestic land dispute. “A clash broke out between the father and son, leading to the death of one person,” the SDPO said. “Police have launched an investigation and raids are being conducted to arrest the accused”.
