'Jungle Raj' in Bihar: Family of Slain ASI Criticizes Nitish Government

Synopsis
The family of slain Assistant Sub-Inspector Santosh Kumar in Bihar's Munger district has criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government, demanding accountability and justice. They seek protection for their family and employment opportunities for Santosh's son.
Key Takeaways
- Brutal Assault: ASI Santosh Kumar was killed by villagers.
- Family's Outrage: His family criticizes the Nitish government.
- Demand for Justice: They call for swift action and protection.
- Heartbreaking Loss: Santosh leaves behind a wife and young son.
- Political Implications: Incident raises issues ahead of elections.
Munger, March 15 (NationPress) Following the tragic death of an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) who was brutally attacked by a group of villagers in Bihar's Munger district, the family members have expressed their outrage towards Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's administration, stating, "if you want to govern Bihar, do it properly."
Santosh Kumar, aged 43, was the eldest son of the late Dineshwar Singh.
The ASI leaves behind a grieving wife, Anju Devi, and a young son, Kanhaiya Kumar, who is just six years old.
His family struggles to come to terms with the abrupt loss of a committed public servant, who dedicated 15 years to the police force.
The tragedy is further deepened by the fact that his cousin, also a member of the armed forces, had lost his life in the line of duty.
This loss has sent shockwaves not only through his family but also among his close friends.
A childhood friend, Jiyut Singh, described Santosh as a principled and kind individual.
He recalled that Santosh had recently returned to the village for the 'tervi' (13th-day) ceremony of his grandfather, Lal Saheb Singh, just before the unfortunate incident occurred.
Jiyut voiced his dissatisfaction with the Bihar government, particularly targeting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
"If you want to govern Bihar, do it properly. Otherwise, resign. Every day, our soldiers and children are dying while you hold power. What is happening to this state? What actions are you taking?" he questioned.
Santosh's family and friends are calling for accountability, not only for the crime but also for the safety of those he left behind.
They urge the authorities to ensure protection and demand that justice is delivered promptly. They are also seeking financial assistance for the family, along with job opportunities for Santosh's son when he is older.
Santosh’s uncle, Gupteshwar Singh, shared the heart-wrenching experience of receiving the tragic news late at night. Initially, they had been informed that Santosh was injured and needed a blood transfusion. However, they soon learned that he had succumbed to his injuries.
"We had hoped for a different outcome," Gupteshwar lamented.
"Now, we are left with nothing but unanswered questions."
Meanwhile, the medical board that conducted the post-mortem of Santosh Kumar has disclosed disturbing details.
Dr. Raman Kumar, Deputy Superintendent at Dr. Raman Hospital, indicated that the cause of death was a head injury, likely inflicted by a sharp weapon.
The extent of the injuries was evident from significant damage to the brain and multiple wounds on his body. The medical team suggested that the attack was brutal, potentially involving a sharp-edged weapon.
The police are currently engaged in a comprehensive investigation to identify all individuals involved in the crime and to bring them to justice.
This incident mirrors a similar tragedy that occurred in Araria district on Wednesday night, where ASI Rajeev Ranjan died following a confrontation between police personnel and villagers in the Lakshmipur area under Phulkaha police station. The Araria incident unfolded when a police team attempted to apprehend a suspect, resulting in a violent clash with protesting villagers.
The consecutive murders of police officers in Bihar have ignited a fierce political battle in the state ahead of the upcoming elections.
While the Opposition claims that 'jungle raj' is rampant in Bihar, the ruling alliance insists that these crimes are being orchestrated to tarnish the government's image.