No one filed FIR in this border village since Independence

PATNA/BAGAHA: Kataraw, a village near the Indo-Nepal border in West Champaran, holds the rare distinction of not having a single FIR registered for any crime since Independence. A remarkable feat considering the high rate of serious crimes in the state.
The village with a sizeable population of around 5,000 people, including tribals, relies on the age-old mechanism of local panchayat to settle disputes among residents, a system favoured by Mahatma Gandhi, whose Bhitiharwa Ashram is barely 15km from this village.
DGP Gupteshwar Pandey, who was visiting the village, was delighted to hear this feat when informed by the villagers.
“Not a single FIR has been registered against any resident of the village at the Sahodara police station, under whose jurisdiction the village falls, nor any complaint case has ever been lodged in the local court since Independence,” the DGP said, perhaps himself finding it to be an incredible information to have.
The state police chief said the residents have set an example by maintaining the legacy they have inherited from their fore-fathers. “I must congratulate the residents of this village for setting an example of maintaining peace and harmony,” he added.
And that was not all, the DGP was even more surprised to know that complaints related to women were heard at the panchayat and settled by women themselves without the involvement of any male members. “No male member is allowed to interfere into their matters,” a local resident Nitesh Mahto said.
Overwhelmed by the warm response from the villagers, in an impromptu gesture, the DGP entered the house of an elderly woman Chinta Devi, who offered him ‘roti’ (bread), ‘namak (salt)’ and ‘hari mirch( green chilli)’ as breakfast. Pandey thanked her for the generous offer and told her that this reminded him of his childhood.
Just before leaving, he was surprised to see a ‘jata chakki’ in the house and asked her if it works. “Yes, we still use it,” she replied.
The mukhiya, Sunil Kumar Gadhwal, said the DGP had reached the village around 8.30 am and spent an hour with the residents and also inquired about sanitation work (read toilets) at the village.
Narkatiaganj sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Suryakant Choubey said the DGP asked the residents to wear masks and maintain social distancing to check the spread of Covid19 pandemic.
Later the DGP reviewed the law and order situation at a meeting in Bettiah. The meeting was attended by DIG (Bettiah range) Lal Mohan Prasad and SP of West Champaran Natasha Gudia among others.