Why Are Jan Suraaj Leaders Surrounding Bihar Health Minister's Residence Over Muzaffarpur Rape Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Protest against healthcare negligence
- Calls for minister's resignation
- Tragic loss of young victim highlights system failures
- Systemic issues in Bihar's healthcare
- Demand for accountability from government
Patna, June 23 (NationPress) Tension gripped Patna on Monday as leaders and supporters of the Jan Suraaj party encircled the residence of Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey, demanding his swift resignation over alleged medical negligence that led to the tragic passing of an 11-year-old rape victim from Muzaffarpur’s Kudhni area.
The young girl was sexually assaulted by Mukesh Kumar Rai on May 25, and unfortunately succumbed to her injuries on June 1, following a four-hour wait in an ambulance before being admitted to PMCH.
The protest escalated as a substantial police presence was deployed to prevent protestors from advancing towards the minister’s residence.
As Jan Suraaj workers attempted to breach the barricades, police responded with lathi charges to disperse the gathering.
The Jan Suraaj party criticized the declining health infrastructure and held the state health department responsible for gross negligence.
In a rapid response, authorities detained several senior Jan Suraaj leaders, including state chief Manoj Bharti, Vice President Lalanji, former MLA Kishore Kumar, among others.
The detained individuals were taken to a nearby police station for interrogation and legal processing.
Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj leaders insisted they would persist in their protests until Health Minister Mangal Pandey resigns.
“The young girl’s death was due to the lack of timely medical attention at PMCH. This is not mere negligence; it is a systemic failure orchestrated by Mangal Pandey,” stated Manoj Bharti.
The party accused the government of ignoring recurrent tragedies stemming from healthcare failures and called for accountability from the highest levels.
Jan Suraaj, spearheaded by Prashant Kishor, has been vocal in exposing the failures in Bihar’s governance, particularly in education, healthcare, and law & order.