KKN Gurugram Desk | In an unusual turn of events at the Patna City Civil Court, three individuals accused in a land dispute case locked themselves inside an advocate’s chamber to evade arrest. This incident has raised serious concerns about court security and the conduct of legal proceedings.

Background of the Incident

The three accused were involved in a land dispute in Bada Hasanpur village, Khusrupur, which escalated into a violent confrontation between two parties. The altercation included gunfire, road blockades, and arson, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused. Despite the FIR being filed, the Khusrupur police station reportedly failed to send a copy to the court, delaying the legal process.

The Courtroom Drama

On May 31, 2025, the accused arrived at the Patna City Civil Court intending to surrender and complete their bail bond procedures. However, due to the court’s morning session schedule, the necessary legal formalities could not be completed. To avoid immediate arrest, the accused took refuge in an advocate’s chamber within the court premises and locked themselves inside.

Upon receiving information about the incident, officers from the Khusrupur police station arrived at the court to apprehend the accused. However, the police were unable to arrest them immediately, as the advocate’s chamber was locked, and they did not have the authority to break in without proper permission. The situation led to a standoff that lasted several hours, causing significant disruption within the court premises.

Allegations of Police Misconduct

The incident has brought to light allegations of police misconduct. Ashok Kumar, the General Secretary of the Patna City Civil Court Advocates’ Association, claimed that the Khusrupur police station’s officer-in-charge accepted a bribe of ₹3.5 million to assist a steel factory owner in seizing the disputed land. These allegations have intensified the scrutiny on the police’s role in the land dispute and their handling of the subsequent legal proceedings.

Official Response

Fatuha Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nikhil Kumar arrived at the scene to assess the situation. He stated that the accused’s actions were within their legal rights, as they were seeking to surrender to the court. DSP Kumar assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to examine the allegations against the police and the circumstances leading to the incident.

Legal and Ethical Implications

This incident underscores the complexities involved in legal proceedings related to land disputes in Bihar. It highlights the need for timely communication between police stations and courts, adherence to legal protocols, and the importance of maintaining the integrity of legal institutions.

The actions of the accused, while unconventional, have sparked a debate on the lengths individuals may go to protect their legal rights in the face of alleged systemic failures. The incident also raises questions about the measures in place to prevent such occurrences and ensure the smooth functioning of the judicial system.

The Patna City Civil Court incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the legal system in handling land disputes and ensuring justice. As investigations continue, it is imperative for authorities to address the underlying issues that led to this unprecedented event and to reinforce the mechanisms that uphold the rule of law.

Note: This article is based on available information as of May 31, 2025. Further developments may provide additional insights into the incident.