Kaimur/Patna, September 18, 2026: An Indian Army soldier from Bihar’s Kaimur district died on Wednesday while undergoing treatment for severe burn injuries sustained in an alleged attack last week. The incident has triggered protests by villagers demanding swift action against those named in the case.
Shatrughan Yadav, a resident of Sahuka village under the Ramgarh police station area, died late on September 16 at a military hospital in Lucknow. He had been on leave from his posting in Assam. According to police and family accounts cited in reports, the soldier was called to Ramgarh on the morning of September 9 over a financial dispute related to a land transaction. Relatives alleged that approximately Rs 16 lakh remained unpaid from the sale of land.
It is alleged that he was locked inside a Scorpio vehicle, doused with petrol and set on fire. Yadav suffered burns over more than 80 per cent of his body. He was first taken to a trauma centre in Varanasi. Doctors later referred him to the Army hospital in Lucknow, where he succumbed during treatment after about a week. Reports state that he recorded a statement while in Varanasi, on the basis of which a first information report was registered.
Police have named seven persons as accused. Three have been arrested and sent to jail; four remain absconding. An inquiry into the role of the local station house officer has also been promised after villagers questioned the initial handling of the case. Kaimur Superintendent of Police Shikhar Chaudhary assured protesters that action would be taken against those found guilty and that the investigation would continue. Mohania Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ratna Priyadarshini stated that three of the named accused were already in custody and efforts were underway to arrest the remaining individuals.
News of the soldier’s death led to widespread anger in Sahuka and surrounding areas. On Thursday, a large number of villagers marched to Ramgarh, blocked the road at Durga Chowk for approximately five hours and gathered near the police station. They demanded stringent punishment for the accused and an inquiry into police conduct. Additional security was deployed. After assurances from the superintendent of police and other officials, the demonstration was called off and traffic was restored.
The police investigation is examining the circumstances of the land-related financial dispute and the specific roles of each accused. The soldier’s body is expected to be brought to the village for last rites with due honours. Local residents have described the alleged attack on a serving soldier as deeply shocking. Authorities have urged the public to allow the investigation to proceed without obstruction.
