Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) One person was killed and at least 10 others were injured after a mentally challenged man went on a rampage and attacked villagers in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, the police said on Tuesday.
The accused, identified as Kanai Konai, a resident of Kabilaspur village, was known locally to have been mentally challenged for a long time. The police said he was arrested from a forested area in neighbouring Jharkhand late on Monday night.
Most of the injured, including children, are undergoing treatment at Suri District Hospital.
According to the police, Konai suddenly became violent on Monday and began attacking people across the village with sticks, bamboo poles and axes. He reportedly attacked anyone who came in front of him.
A man from a neighbouring village was also attacked while passing through Kabilaspur. Konai allegedly struck him on the head with an axe. The injured man was rushed to hospital but died on the way. He was identified as Ibrahim Sheikh, 48.
At least 10 people, including women, children and elderly persons, were injured in the attacks. They were admitted to Suri District Hospital for treatment.
A local woman who was attacked said Konai suddenly entered her kitchen while she was cooking.
“I was cooking at home. Kanai Konai from next door suddenly entered the kitchen with a stick and an axe in his hand. He hit me on the head. Not only me, but my grandmother, aunt, and two children were also attacked,” she said.
The incident triggered panic in the village, with residents remaining fearful even after the accused was caught.
Kamal Sheikh, nephew of Ibrahim Sheikh, said his uncle had been crossing the road to Kabilaspur from his home in Rahha village for work when Konai attacked him.
“My uncle was crossing the road to Kabilaspur for work. At that time, the man suddenly attacked my uncle, targeting his head. After receiving the news, he was rushed to the hospital and died,” he said.
After the attacks, Konai fled from the village and reportedly headed towards a forested area in Jharkhand, according to villagers.
A Birbhum district police officer said the police reached Kabilaspur after receiving information about the attacks, but the accused had already escaped.
The police launched a search operation and deployed personnel at the village entrances. Villagers also remained alert as the search continued.
Konai was eventually traced and caught in the Jharkhand forest late on Monday night.
–IANS
sch/snj/skp