A murder and violence in its aftermath left three persons dead and several injured on Monday in Samastipur district in Bihar, around 90km from the state capital.

The incident at Adharpur village under Muffasil police station began as a verbal altercation between resident Shrawan Kumar Rai and deputy mukhiya Muhammad Hasnain, but ended up claiming three lives.

Rai was building a temporary conduit to drain out rainwater accumulated in front of his house, which was opposed by Hasnain. When Rai did not stop, Hasnain allegedly fired at him, killing him on the spot.

Angered over the death, family members and supporters of Rai allegedly attacked and torched Hasnain’s house. Though he managed to flee, the mob thrashed Hasnain’s wife, son, daughter and nephew.

A few vehicles parked outside the house were also damaged. Hasnain’s wife and nephew succumbed to their injuries, police said.

Senior officials rushed to the village to control the situation, including Darbhanga zone inspector-general Ajitabh Kumar.

“Three persons have lost their lives over a small issue. The deceased include Hasnain’s wife, who was thrashed and thrown into a water-filled ditch, and his nephew, who died while being taken to Darbhanga by the police for treatment,” Kumar told The Telegraph.

He expressed relief that the incident did not disintegrate into a clash between two communities.

“The area has no communal history and the people are aware that the incident was a fight between two families. The situation is under control and peaceful. There is no communal tension in the area,” he added.