In the Nawada district of Bihar, local strongmen reportedly set fire to homes belonging to Dalits over a land dispute. Villagers claim around 80 homes were set ablaze after shooting erupted. However, the police reported that only 21 homes were burned. Ten individuals, including the main suspect, have been arrested in this case. Political reactions have begun, with the opposition citing this incident as evidence of lawlessness in Bihar, while the ruling party suggests it is a conspiracy to disrupt social harmony.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the terrorizing of Mahadalit Tola in Nawada by local strongmen is another manifestation of the lawlessness under the double-engine governance of the NDA. He remarked, "It is deplorable that around 100 Dalit homes were torched, there was gunfire, and poor families were robbed of everything in the dead of night. The BJP and its allies' blatant disregard for Dalits and the marginalized, criminal negligence, and encouragement of anti-social elements have reached a peak."
Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar by saying, "As usual, Prime Minister Modi is silent, Nitish Kumar is indifferent due to his lust for power, and the NDA's allies have been rendered speechless."
Bihar Ablaze Under Modi-Nitish Rule: Tejashwi
Former Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav expressed his views on the Nawada incident. Tejashwi compared this event to an extreme state of lawlessness, mentioning on social media platform 'X', "Extreme lawlessness, monstrous governance, and chaos. Over 100 Dalit homes torched in Nawada. Bihar is burning under the rule of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is indifferent, and NDA allies are uninformed. The poor are suffering and dying, but who cares? Atrocities against Dalits will not be tolerated."
Government Sleeps Peacefully: RJD
RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari remarked that Dalit homes are being burned in Bihar while the government sleeps peacefully. He stated, "Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav rightly said that Bihar has surpassed extreme lawlessness and entered monstrous governance. Atrocities against Dalit brothers will not be tolerated at any cost. Strict action must be taken against the culprits. Prime Minister Modi and the NDA must speak out on how Bihar is burning."
Source: aajtak
What Did JDU Say About the Nawada Incident?
JDU MLC Neeraj Kumar noted that preliminarily, this case appears to be a land dispute. Police and administration reached the site within 20 minutes of the incident. All aspects are being investigated, and there have been no reports of injuries. He emphasized that the government will not allow any attempts to disrupt social harmony to succeed.
Attempt to Destabilize Bihar: Minister
Minister Janak Ram from the Bihar government attributed the Nawada incident to a conspiracy by the Grand Alliance. He mentioned that such actions are orchestrated to destabilize the progress Bihar is making. The people of Bihar are aware of the Grand Alliance's agenda.
Source: aajtak
Rampage by Strongmen in Nawada: 80 Dalit Homes Torched, Police Deployed
Janak Ram further stated, "Just like in the era when Tejashwi Yadav's parents ruled, there were deliberate attempts to spread hatred within society, fuel fights between different communities. Once again, such efforts are being made. Dalits are being targeted to instill fear in their communities, but no one needs to be afraid. With Nitish Kumar's good governance in Bihar, immediate action will be taken against those responsible."
Source: aajtak
What Happened in Nawada?
The incident was reported from Krishna Nagar Dalit settlement near Nanoura in the Mufassil police station area of Nawada. Currently, Dalit families occupy a part of the disputed land. The dispute over this land is ongoing. The affected families alleged that on Wednesday evening, strongmen suddenly attacked them, beating and shooting before setting their homes on fire.
What Did Nawada's SP Report?
SP Abhinav Dhiman shared, "At around 7 PM on Wednesday, we received a report that individuals had set houses on fire. Initial claims suggested that 40-50 homes were burned, but our survey revealed that only 21 homes were set on fire. No fatalities have been reported, and no dead bodies were found. Police forces are stationed throughout the village."
