Patna: Hundreds of villagers and family members of a worker, who died in an explosion during construction work on Tuesday, staged a protest at Chandanpatti Chowk in Darbhanga district on Wednesday, blocking the Laheriyasarai-Baheri main road for nearly two hours.The protesters demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the blast, compensation for the deceased’s family and security for them. The protest was organised in Chanchal Nagar under the Pator police station area, where the explosion occurred.The deceased was identified as Kamlesh Paswan (27). He succumbed to his injuries during treatment at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH). He is survived by his wife and two children. Another worker, Rambabu Paswan (35), sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at PMCH.According to police, workers were engaged in the construction of a boundary wall when they noticed a bag hanging from an iron rod. As they attempted to take it down and inspect it, a powerful explosion occurred.Eyewitnesses said Kamlesh’s right hand was blown off at the wrist, while Rambabu suffered severe injuries to his head and right eye. Both were initially taken to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH).Local resident Manikant Jha said two workers were critically injured in the blast and Kamlesh later died during treatment. “An innocent person has lost his life,” he said.Pator SHO Avinash Kumar said preliminary investigation suggests the incident may be linked to an ongoing land dispute. He said an FIR has been registered against unidentified persons.“The incident appears related to a land dispute. Mohd Shahid, the current owner of the land where the boundary wall is being built, has made serious allegations regarding the property,” Kumar said.Shahid claimed he purchased the land in 2008, but the same plot was later sold in another person’s name. He alleged that he had been receiving threats and had earlier been warned to stop construction work.“Shahid has alleged that the blast could be part of a conspiracy to target him. However, no conclusion has been reached so far and the matter remains under investigation,” the SHO added.
