Former DGP Accuses IPS Officer of Igniting Kidnapping Crisis in Bihar
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Patna, April 2 (NationPress) Former Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Gupteshwar Pandey has ignited a debate with his shocking assertion regarding the roots of kidnapping incidents in the state.
While speaking to the media at Patna Airport on Thursday, Pandey contended that the "culture of kidnapping" in Bihar was not a product of criminal elements but was instead influenced by a current IPS officer.
He alleged that during a time when dacoity was widespread in Bettiah and Bagaha, a Superintendent of Police (SP) from the Andhra Pradesh cadre—who was on deputation in Bihar—advised criminal factions to transition from dacoity to ransom kidnappings.
Pandey asserted that the officer recommended that criminals abduct affluent individuals for ransom and then release them, ostensibly to lower the visible crime statistics in official records.
During that period, numerous dacoit gangs were operating in the area, and law enforcement faced significant pressure to manage the crisis.
Praising Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's governance, the former DGP noted that the state has made considerable progress since those turbulent times.
He claimed that previously, Bihar experienced 10 to 20 kidnapping incidents daily—many of which were unreported—but he emphasized that recent governance measures have effectively dismantled what he referred to as a "kidnapping industry."
Pandey further highlighted that ensuring law and order is not solely a police responsibility.
He underscored the need for public engagement, stating that societal silence in the face of crime—such as harassment—exacerbates the issue.
He urged citizens to rise above caste and religious divisions to unite against criminal activities.
Expressing confidence in the current police leadership, Pandey praised Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar, noting their collaboration over nearly 25 years across various positions.
He characterized him as a competent officer and mentioned that he has already brought his attention to recent incidents that require intervention.
On the political landscape, Pandey described Nitish Kumar as one of Bihar's most influential Chief Ministers, attributing improvements in the state's law and order to his leadership.
He added that any shift in governance would hold significant implications for Bihar.
Commenting on Nishant Kumar's future political prospects, Pandey described him as educated and well-mannered, though he acknowledged his limited knowledge of Kumar's political experience.