Crime Chronicles of Bihar:
Bihar's history is steeped in a complex tapestry of struggle and strife. This is a land where the pursuit of progress has been overshadowed by a sinister blend of crime, Naxalism, and corruption. Since the dawn of independence, brave governmental officers and employees have paid the ultimate price for their dedication to duty and their stand against corruption.
From Gopalganj's DM G. Krishnaiah to Muzaffarpur's junior engineer Mohammad Mumtaz, their tales lay bare the vulnerabilities in Bihar's governance. This issue of 'Bihar's Crime Chronicles' examines the untold stories of those who laid down their lives for truth and justice, shedding light on the harrowing price of honesty in Bihar.
The Land of Struggle - Bihar
Between 1994 and 2025, countless incidents emerged in which officers raised their voices against corruption, uncovering the deficiencies in Bihar's governance. Let us follow these true stories through the sands of time.
The Rise of Naxalism
The foundation of Naxalism in Bihar was laid with the 1967 Naxalbari uprising. By the 1970s and 80s, this fire had spread across the state. Although Naxalites initially fought for the poor, attacks on government officials increased. Land reforms and corruption were typically the catalysts for these attacks. During this era, districts like Gaya, Jehanabad, and Aurangabad saw heightened Naxal activity, targeting police and administrative officials and hindering regional development. Law and order seemed to teeter on the brink of collapse.
The 1990s: A Decade of Naxalite Onslaught
The 1990s witnessed an escalation in Naxalite attacks. In 1993, in Hyderabad, the People's War Group assassinated DIG K.S. Vyas, marking a grim milestone. Between 2000 and 2010, hundreds of police personnel were killed in Bihar. Schools were blown up, and attacks on officials became common, stalling development projects. Despite governmental efforts, solutions remained elusive, with most conflicts stemming from land disputes. Fear reigned supreme in rural areas, casting a shadow on the safety of officials.
The Tragic Tale of IAS G. Krishnaiah
IAS G. Krishnaiah's story epitomizes the grim face of political violence in Bihar. Born in 1957 to a landless Dalit family in Telangana, Krishnaiah began working as a laborer just like his father. Driven by a strong desire for education, he eventually became an IAS officer of the 1985 batch, choosing the Bihar cadre to aid the poor. Unbeknownst to him, Bihar would be the site of his untimely death, despite his commendable efforts in land reform and advocating for the rights of the underprivileged.
December 5, 1994 - The Wrath of the Mob
The same evening, as G. Krishnaiah returned to Gopalganj from a meeting in Hajipur in his official car, he was oblivious to the brewing unrest ahead. The murder of a notorious gangster, Chhotan Shukla, had sparked outrage in Muzaffarpur, leading to protests against the government and police. A highway teeming with thousands of angry protestors caught sight of the DM's car, and chaos ensued. Despite attempts by his driver and gunner to save Krishnaiah, the mob attacked relentlessly.
Beaten to Death
In a desperate bid, Krishnaiah identified himself as the DM of Gopalganj, not Muzaffarpur. His pleas fell on deaf ears as he was pulled from the car and beaten, eventually leading to his death by lynching at Khabara village.
Seeking Justice
Mafia don Anand Mohan Singh and his associates were implicated in Krishnaiah's murder. Initially sentenced to death, Mohan's sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. However, in 2023, his release under new government rules stirred controversy, highlighting the political pressures obstructing justice.
A Surge in Naxalite Violence
Following Krishnaiah's death, Naxalite violence intensified, affecting many Bihar districts. Despite government efforts, including Operation Green Hunt, the threat persisted, as did the targeted killings of government and private officials.
The Courage of IPS Surendra Babu
In 2005, IPS Surendra Babu, serving as SP in Munger, symbolized resilience against Naxal violence. His patrol was ambushed by a landmine explosion, killing Babu and five officers. The incident, claimed by CPI (Maoist), marked a turbulent period for law enforcement facing Naxal threats.
Grappling with Corruption - Satyendra Dubey
Engineer Satyendra Dubey's murder stands as a grim testament to the cost of taking a stand against corruption. From humble beginnings, Dubey rose to prominence in Bihar. As NHAI's Deputy Project Director, he confronted sub-standard work and graft, a stand that ultimately cost him his life.
Ambushed on a Rickshaw
Despite confidentiality requests, Dubey's identity was exposed when he wrote to the Prime Minister about corruption. Transferred in August 2003, he was murdered on November 27, 2003, near a circuit house, with his killers using robbery as a cover-up.
The Ripple Effect of Dubey's Murder
His murder sparked outrage and media coverage, provoking protests from IIT alumni and widespread discussions in Parliament, culminating in legislative changes for whistleblower protection.
The Enigma of Engineer Yogendra Pandey's Death
In 2009, Yogendra Pandey, an executive engineer, died under mysterious circumstances, plunging from the third-floor rooftop of a government building. Despite a police ruling of suicide, evidence suggested foul play linked to his exposure of corruption, sparking agitation and demands for a CBI investigation.
An Agitated Campaign for Justice
Pandey's death revealed the mafia's grip, with engineers and colleagues pointing to foul play, ultimately prompting protests and a CBI probe.
The Unresolved Fate of Junior Engineer Mumtaz
The unresolved 2025 murder of junior engineer Mohammad Mumtaz shocked Bihar's conscience. The brutal attack at his home underscored persistent threats to integrity in the face of crime and systemic challenges.
These high-profile assassinations have ignited a fervent debate on governance in Bihar. From Krishnaiah to Mumtaz, these individuals fought valiant battles against corruption, crime, and Naxal violence. While strides have been made in reducing Naxalism, mastic corruption remains a formidable challenge. Bihar continues to grapple with ensuring the safety and justice for those who stand against the malignant forces threatening its growth and stability.
