Patna, Oct 23 (NationPress) The decision by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) to nominate the son of notorious don-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin for the Assembly elections has sparked intense outrage from various political factions and the public. Amidst the growing backlash against RJD for endorsing Shahabuddin's son, Chandrakeshwar Prasad's son shared his family's tragic story with IANS, highlighting the brutal murders of his brothers during the infamous 'Tejaab kand' under Shahabuddin's infamous rule.

Chandrakeshwar Prasad, affectionately known as Chanda Babu, has been engaged in a relentless 15-year legal battle seeking justice for his sons, tragically losing a third son shortly after he testified in court.

In his conversation with IANS, Monu recounted the harrowing experiences his family faced and expressed deep dissatisfaction over the decision to nominate the son of a criminal. He emphasized that election nominations should go to educated and qualified individuals dedicated to promoting welfare and peace within society. Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condemned RJD's choice to support Shahabuddin's son in the Bihar Assembly elections.

During the interview with IANS, Monu revisited the painful memories of the day when his brothers were murdered, describing it as a blatant mockery of justice.

Here are some highlights from the interview:

IANS: Is it appropriate to nominate Shahabuddin's son, given his criminal background? The Home Minister labeled this 'Jungle Raj Part 2.' Do you concur?

Monu: It's not for us to dictate who should or shouldn't receive a ticket. However, I firmly believe that nominations ought to be made for educated and responsible individuals genuinely invested in public welfare.

The candidate's history and motives must be thoroughly scrutinized. Only those with integrity should be allowed to contest elections. We need representatives committed to the welfare of all and fostering peace in Siwan. What transpired in my family should never befall anyone else; that is my only wish.

IANS: How did Shahabuddin eliminate your three brothers?

Monu: He and his associates murdered two of my brothers by dousing them in acid. After we failed to pay a ransom of Rs 2 lakh to Shahabuddin, acid was hurled upon my brothers, Girish Raj and Satish Raj, on August 16, 2004. The sole eyewitness was my third brother, Rajiv Raushan, who managed to escape. Ten years later, Rajiv was also killed on the same date, just two days before he was scheduled to testify.

IANS: How did you cope with such tragedy?

Monu: To be honest, I felt numb. It felt as if our entire family had been obliterated. After my brothers were killed, we were devastated. In 2004, only four of us—my father, mother, sister, and I—survived. We fled in fear and lived in constant anxiety.

For an extended period, we lost contact with my sister and father. Eventually, after about a year and a half, we reunited. My father introduced us to some acquaintances, and gradually, we began to rebuild our lives.

IANS: Did you face any threats afterward?

Monu: Personally, I was never directly threatened. However, my father received numerous threats during that time. We were unaware of the specifics, but he received calls and visits from individuals trying to sway him regarding the case. My father often remarked, 'Look at what we've endured—how can this merely be a government issue?'

He was even offered money, to which he replied, 'What good is money when we've lost our children?'

IANS: What struggles did your father face while alive?

Monu: My father was a true warrior. He had the responsibility of raising us despite unimaginable grief. Both of our parents were deeply traumatized after losing two sons, and when we lost the third, it shattered him completely. He often expressed, 'Now we have no one left.' We were powerless to act—then and now. Reflecting on our experiences took a toll on my father's health, and eventually, my mother suffered a stroke from the shock.

There was a time when some men attacked my elder brother, saying, 'He's grown up now—take him to the Sahab.' As they dragged him away, my younger brother attempted to call the police. One of the men seized his arm, warning, 'You don't understand who we are; if you call the police, you will regret it.'

Both my brothers were abducted. Later that evening, as my other brother returned home, his car was stopped, and he too was taken along with his vehicle. Everyone advised us to flee for our safety.

IANS: What happened after that?

Monu: Whatever transpired with us, I hope it never occurs to anyone else. Our shop was vandalized and looted, leaving us with nothing. We struggled to survive.

Eventually, I received assistance from my brother. Around that time, my sister married in 2011. After her marriage, my brother became the only breadwinner. I worked on several website projects and also operated a small shop in Gala Bazaar.

We had numerous debts to address. My father pledged that we would repay every cent. Yet, some influential businessmen insisted, 'Return our goods first.' Therefore, my father reopened the shop. For four years, we endured severe hardships. Ultimately, my father managed to resume business, and the creditors reclaimed what was owed. After that, we had nothing left.

I borrowed money and restarted our livelihood. Slowly, things began to improve. However, in 2014, my brother was murdered while we were in Siwan visiting our paralyzed mother. Unfortunately, no progress was made in the case, and we received no information.