What Sparked Protests in Bihar Over Darbhanga Crime, NEET Aspirant's Death, and Pappu Yadav's Arrest?
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Key Takeaways
Patna, Feb 9 (NationPress) Protests erupted in the Bihar Assembly on Monday, marking the fifth day of the Budget Session, as opposition factions voiced vehement objections regarding the rape and murder of a minor girl in Darbhanga, the suspicious passing of a NEET aspirant, and the apprehension of Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav.
Congress MLA Abhishek Ranjan arrived at the Assembly wearing a shirt emblazoned with the phrase, “Today there will be jail, tomorrow there will be bail, and the day after tomorrow the same game will continue,” expressing solidarity with Pappu Yadav and stating, “We stand with him.”
Congress MLA Kamrul Hoda launched a fierce critique of the government led by Nitish Kumar, asserting that Bihar has transformed from a democracy into a monarchy. He accused the authorities of targeting Pappu Yadav for questioning the circumstances surrounding the NEET aspirant’s demise.
As slogans filled the air and tensions escalated, the Assembly premises mirrored the rising political discord surrounding recent criminal incidents. Opposition leaders raised concerns about whether justice would prevail for the victims or be eclipsed by political agendas, as public anxiety continues to grow.
The shocking incident in Darbhanga, which took place late Saturday night in the Bela locality under the University Police Station, involved the alleged rape and murder of a six-year-old girl, inciting widespread outrage. Local police have apprehended a youth named Vikas Mahto, claiming blood evidence was found on his clothing. While authorities assert prompt action, the opposition highlights this incident as a testament to declining law and order and a failure to protect children.
Simultaneously, the mysterious death of a NEET aspirant from Jehanabad at Shambhu Girls’ Hostel in Patna has further ignited protests. Despite investigations conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the CBI, the victim’s family remains dissatisfied, with parents currently protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, demanding a judicial inquiry overseen by a Supreme Court or High Court judge. The victim’s mother has publicly stated that she has lost faith in both the Bihar government and the CBI, appealing to the Centre for justice.
Pappu Yadav, who has been outspoken in questioning the hostel management, hospital officials, and police regarding the NEET case, was recently arrested in a case dating back 31 years. The opposition has labeled this action as politically motivated, a sentiment echoed by Yadav himself, claiming it is retaliation for challenging the government.
This arrest has intensified protests from the opposition both inside and outside the Assembly, as Bihar grapples with pressing questions of justice, accountability, and governance, with public scrutiny firmly focused on the government’s response.