Are Caste and Community Being Targeted in Bihar Police Encounters?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Patna, Feb 11 (NationPress) The political atmosphere intensified on the seventh day of the Budget Session at the Bihar Legislative Assembly when Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA Bhai Virendra raised serious concerns against the state administration and the Bihar Police.
During a media interaction at the Assembly premises on Wednesday, Bhai Virendra accused the authorities of disproportionately targeting individuals from a specific caste and religion in police encounters.
While he emphasized the necessity of action against criminals, he stated that targeting any particular community is unacceptable.
“We oppose criminals regardless of their caste or religion. Yet, we frequently hear that individuals with surnames like Gop, Yadav, Rai, or Khan are the ones harmed in these encounters. This raises significant concerns. It appears that there is a focus on specific communities,” the RJD MLA expressed.
Moreover, he asserted that numerous criminals enjoy protection in Bihar, and criminal activities are reportedly orchestrated from areas such as Mokama, Barh, and Nalanda.
Bhai Virendra also directed a pointed critique at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, questioning his leadership and decision-making skills.
He claimed that the Chief Minister’s mental health is questionable and that his advisors are not providing adequate counsel.
He suggested, somewhat sarcastically, that the Chief Minister should receive medical attention to restore his health, a remark that has ignited fierce reactions and escalated the political discourse.
These comments have further inflamed the political climate in Bihar, especially amid ongoing discussions about recent statements made in the Assembly involving Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, whom he referred to as “ye ladki (this girl),” creating a stir.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Bihar government or the police.
On the same day, a notorious criminal, Rajiv Kumar Rai alias Surya Don, was apprehended following an encounter in the Gaighat area of Patna. He suffered a gunshot wound to his leg during a shootout with the Bihar STF.