Overview

• A debt dispute between poultry shop owner Govinda Mandal and borrower Himadri Barman in Swarupkathi Bazar turned violent Thursday evening.
• Witnesses reported that Mandal bit off a portion of Barman’s outer ear and discarded it, causing the victim to collapse and bleed heavily.
• Local residents intervened to restrain Mandal until West Bengal Police arrived and placed him under arrest.
• Authorities have registered a criminal case and continue to record statements as the investigation into the attack proceeds.
• Doctors at Sandel Bill Rural Hospital say Barman is in serious but stable condition, the severed ear could not be reattached, and locals are demanding stricter punishment.