20 river sites under flood risk, 3 locations in Assam and Bihar face severe inundation: CWC

Several regions in India are on high alert. The Central Water Commission reports twenty river sites are under flood threat. Assam and Bihar are experiencing severe conditions. Water levels have crossed danger marks in Golaghat, Muzaffarpur and Gopalganj. The Brahmaputra and Ganga river systems are most affected. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

Aadhaar saturation rate higher than 100 per cent in Bihar's Seemanchal region

PATNA: Aadhaar saturation rates in Seemanchal region of election-bound Bihar are above 100 per cent, official data revealed. The data was collected from Seemanchal region comprising Kishanganj, Purnea, Katihar and Araria districtsthat have Muslim populations ranging from 39 per cent to 68 per cent. According to official data collected during caste-based survey by the Bihar government, while the states average Aadhaar coverage stands at around 94 per cent, Kishanganj, with 68 per cent Muslim population, shows an Aadhaar saturation of 105.16 per cent of the districts total population. Similarly, Katihar (45 per cent Muslim population) and Araria (50 per cent) each have a saturation rate of 101.92 per cent and 102.23 per cent, respectively. Purnia (with 39 per cent Muslim population) stands at 101 per cent of the districts total population. The figures suggested that there were over 120 Aadhaar cards for every 100 residents in Seemanchal region, which shares its border with West Bengal and Nepal. This anomaly raised questions about who these additional Aadhaar cards were meant for and why they existed. Authoritative sources said that Aadhaar cards were being mostly used for obtaining domicile certificates in these districts. Sudden rise in applications for domicile certificates also raised doubts and officials posted in the districts shared their concerns with their seniors in the state secretariat. Deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary said that around 2 lakh applications have been submitted for domicile certificates in the past one week and so in Kishanganj district alone. A sudden jump in applications for domicile certificates in Muzaffarpur district has also raised concern, he added. The state government has ordered an investigation into sudden jump in applications for domicile certificates in Seemanchal region, especially after the Election Commission (ECs) Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls started on June 24, he told the media. Deputy chief minister did not rule out possibility of Bangladeshi citizens settling in these districts as countrys international border with Bangladesh is not far off from Kishanganj. An IAS officer posted as district magistrate in Seemanchal region, said on condition of anonymity that the district administration was keeping a close watch on applications for domicile certificates under his jurisdiction. According to official figures, 1,27,000 applications for domicile certificates were submitted to authorities concerned in Kishanganj district between July 1 and 6. The four districts of Seemanchal region have registered about 16 per cent growth in Muslim population between 1951 and 2011, as per census. The average Muslim population in the four districts stands at 47 per cent. The issue has stirred debate not only in poll-bound Bihar but also in neighbouring West Bengal, where Mamata Banerjees government is already grappling with Aadhaar card deactivation concerns. Many political observers have questioned whether this is an attempt by Opposition parties and the Left to position Aadhaar as proof of citizenship. Given the one person-one Aadhaar rule, the figures have triggered concerns over possible duplication or issuance to non-citizens. Seemanchals geographical location adds sensitivity to the issue, as the region borders West Bengal, Nepal, and is not far from Bangladesh, said a senior journalist Pramod Kumar, who earlier worked in Purnea. The Opposition, including RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, called for a Bihar bandh on July 9 to protest the ECs Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, which excludes Aadhaar as valid proof for voter verification.

Inside the SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar: Process, concerns and political fallout

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has triggered a major political controversy in Bihar, where assembly polls are due later this year, with the opposition INDIA bloc alleging that it was designed to enefit the ruling NDA, a charge denied by the Election Commission of India (EC) that is carrying out the exercise. The issue has also reached the Supreme Court , which will hear petitions on July 10 challenging the Election Commission's decision to carry out the exercise in Bihar. What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)? The Election Commission on June 24 issued a notification to begin a door-to-door verification of Bihar's eight crore voters. According to the process, all voters in the state are required to sign enumeration forms, in duplicates, that come with their names, addresses and photographs printed, and return these with fresh photographs along with a valid proof of residence. However, those whose names were not in the electoral rolls of 2003 will have to provide additional documents, a feature of the SIR that has been the main bone of contention. The objective of SIR is to ensure that the names of all eligible citizens are included in the electoral rolls so as to enable them to exercise their franchise. The revision is being carried out under Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act (RP Act), which authorises the EC to undertake special revisions at any time for reasons recorded in writing. The last intensive revision for Bihar was conducted by the poll panel in 2003. The exercise is being executed by one lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs), aided by four lakh volunteers and thousands of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) nominated by political parties. The EC has cited large-scale additions and deletions in the electoral rolls over the past 20 years, driven by migration and urbanisation, as a key reason for the fresh revision. The Commission has also noted that the presence of duplicate entries necessitates a clean-up. Although the plan is to extend SIR to the rest of the country, the exercise is currently being rolled out only in Bihar, which heads to polls later this year. Unlike the 2003 revision where enumerators conducted house-to-house verification using printed voter lists, the 2024 SIR requires voters to proactively submit enumeration forms to BLOs. Electors registered as of January 2003 do not need to submit additional documents beyond the 2003 roll extract. However, voters added post-2003 must furnish documentation establishing their date and place of birth, along with that of their parent(s), where applicable. It is not ECs job to issue citizenship certificate: Former Election Commissioner Lavasa on Bihar poll roll revision Why the political uproar? The SIR has been under attack from the opposition INDIA bloc, which has alleged that it was designed to enefit the ruling NDA, and that the poll panel, which had allegedly helped the BJP-led coalition in Maharashtra by adding fake voters, was now trying to wrongfully delete the names of many such people in Bihar who were unlikely to vote for the ruling dispensation. The opposition INDIA bloc, led by Tejashwi Yadav and supported by CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, has moved the Supreme Court against the SIR. A protest march to the EC office in Patna was led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday. Concerns are also being voiced over a clause that states Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) will refer cases of suspected foreign nationals to the competent authority under the Citizenship Act, 1955, which, it is feared, could be used against a large number of unwanted voters in the Seemanchal region bordering Nepal. What are their key concerns? Targeted timing : Why is this being done only in Bihar and right before elections? Exclusion fears : Allegations that the EC aims to delete voters unlikely to support the NDA. Document burden : Over three crore people who weren't in the 2003 rolls face a heavier documentation process. Youth scrutiny : Voters born after 1987 must also furnish their parents' date and place of birth if the latter were not listed in 2003. Unacceptable exclusions : Common documents like Aadhaar and MNREGA cards are not accepted as valid ID. The EC has stated that Aadhaar is neither proof of citizenship nor date of birth, which is why it is excluded. Accepted documents include caste certificates, land allotment records and family registers. Fears over disenfranchisement and misuse : The clause empowering EROs to decide on claims and objections has raised alarms, with opposition leaders fearing misuse. Migrant exclusion concerns : Migrant workers and students, many of whom move frequently, may struggle to meet documentation deadlines. Critics argue that while the RP Act considers temporary absence as still meeting the ordinarily resident requirement, SIR implementation may overlook this nuance. What is the EC's response? The poll panel has maintained that the revision is lawful and constitutional. It says the exercise is necessary due to massive demographic shifts in the last two decades. So far, the door-to-door process has covered 2.88 crore voters (approximately 36.5%). Pure electoral rolls inevitable for strengthening democracy: CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Bihar SIR What opposition leaders say? Why has this exercise been ordered only in Bihar when in 2003 a similar revision of electoral rolls was undertaken for the entire country? And why just before the assembly polls? If it was so urgent, why was the work not started immediately after last year's Lok Sabha elections, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who leads the INDIA bloc charge in the upcoming elections, said. His ally Dipankar Bhattacharya, the general secretary of CPI(ML) Liberation, claims that the EC has opted for a logistical nightmare and that it was almost impossible to complete, by July 25, the exercise that involves more than eight crore voters, most of them living in areas that are ravaged by floods during monsoons. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi alleged that the EC was attempting to steal votes in Bihar, just as he claimed it had done in Maharashtra. Sharpening his criticism of the poll body and the ruling government, Rahul said, In Maharashtra, the mandate was stolen. Now in Bihar, the right to vote is under threat an old conspiracy in a new form. We will continue to expose these anti-Constitutional forces. Together with the people and the youth, we will give a fitting reply. Ground realities? Citizens are flagging serious issues in the implementation of SIR. I was aghast to see that my son's address was listed as a cremation ground ('shamshaan ghat'). My daughter-in-law's address was left blank, said a resident of Muzaffarpur, who requested anonymity. Plea in apex court The Supreme Court on Thursday will hear a batch of petitions challenging the SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar. Several fresh pleas, including a joint petition by opposition parties -- Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar), Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party, JMM, CPI and CPI (ML) -- were filed in the apex court against the poll panel's decision to conduct the exercise before the state goes to polls later this year. (With inputs from PTI, ANI and ENS) Election Commission must justify need for Bihar voter roll revision

Rahul Gandhi leads opposition march to Patna's EC office against electoral rolls revision

PATNA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday led a Mahagathbandhan march to the Election Commission's office in Patna to protest the ongoing special intensive revision of electoral rolls before the Bihar assembly polls. The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, who arrived in the state capital in the morning, was accompanied by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, CPI general secretary D Raja and senior leaders of other opposition parties. Gandhi, along with the other leaders, were atop a vehicle during the protest march which started at Income Tax Golambar in Patna. Rail and road traffic were disrupted in parts of Bihar as workers of opposition parties hit the streets to enforce a statewide bandh called by the Mahagathbandhan. A large number of Opposition party leaders blocked the movement of road traffic on Patna's Mahatma Gandhi Setu by burning tyres. LoP in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with Bihar party President Rajesh Ram, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, CPI General Secretary D Raja, and others takes part in a protest rally during 'Bihar bandh' called by the INDIA bloc Independent Lok Sabha MP from Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, along with his supporters, reached Sachiwalay Halt railway station and tried to disrupt the movement of railway traffic. Yadav's supporters blocked rail and road traffic in several parts of Patna as well as in other parts of the state, including Araria, Purnea, Katihar and Muzaffarpur. Speaking to reporters in Patna, he said, The Election Commission, through its special intensive revision of electoral rolls, is snatching voting rights from migrants, Dalits, Mahadalits, and poor voters. It's a conspiracy to block votes ahead of the Bihar assembly polls due later this year. Workers from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, CPI(ML) Liberation and CPM burnt tyres and blocked roads in support of the Bihar Bandh in Arwal, Jehanabad and Darbhanga as well. Meanwhile, adequate security arrangements have been made for bypolls to nagar panchayats in different parts of Patna district. SC to hear on July 10 pleas challenging EC's decision to undertake revision of electoral rolls in Bihar

Massive protests, blockades hit Bihar over voter list revision

Patna: Bihar witnessed widespread protests and blockades as the Mahagathbandhan is agitating against the revision of the voter list in the state. The call for a Bihar bandh by the opposition bloc led to widespread protests and blockades across the state, affecting vehicular movement. RJD workers blocked Zero Mile Chowk In Muzaffarpur, RJD workers blocked Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Bihar Govt Engineer Stabbed To Death By Robbers In Muzaffarpur, Cops Launch Probe

Mumtaz was killed in front of his wife and children by the robbers who decamped with valuables from his house

Self-proclaimed 'tantrik' arrested for raping seven-month pregnant woman on pretext of treatment in Bihar

PATNA: A 25-year-old pregnant woman was allegedly raped by a self-proclaimed 'tantrik' in Bihars Muzaffarpur district after he lured her under the false pretext of curing her pregnancy-related health issues. Police arrested the accused on Tuesday. The woman had visited an alleged tantrik (exorcist) at a village under Siwaipatti police station limits on June 29 after she experienced persistent dizziness during her pregnancy. Despite consulting multiple doctors, she found no relief and was advised by co-residents to visit the self-proclaimed tantrik. According to the police complaint, the victim visited the exorcists house along with her husband. She was initially told that she would be cured through ritual practices and that she would need to visit a couple of times. Once alone in the room, the alleged exorcist undressed her, claiming it was part of the ritual. When she resisted, the exorcist raped her and threatened to kill her and her husband if she spoke to anyone or lodged a police complaint. The following day, on her husbands insistence, she visited the exorcists house again, where the assault was repeated. During the second incident, she experienced abdominal pain and finally disclosed the ordeal to her husband. Apprehending trouble, the accused fled the scene. The victim was then taken to a government facility for treatment, where she was reportedly kept waiting for nearly two hours. Despite receiving an appointment slip, we were asked to wait from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm, during which my wife laid on the floor in acute pain, the victims husband said. In-charge of the SKMCH police outpost, Sarvari Khatoon, said that the victims statement has been recorded. The accused, identified as Shanker Shah, has been arrested and sent to judicial custody. Further investigation is underway, the SHO said.

Woman dies after consuming poison over domestic dispute in Muzaffarpur

DA case: Bihar EOU raids six locations of BSFC accountant, finds assets over 200% disproportionate to income

PATNA: The Economic Offences Unit (EOU), an anti-corruption wing of the Bihar police, on Friday carried out searches at six locations of Rajesh Kumar, an accountant with the Bihar State Food Corporation (BSFC), in connection with a disproportionate assets case. A senior official said that the accountant is accused of accumulating disproportionate assets worth more than 201.94 per cent of his actual income. The searches, which began early in the morning, continued till the report was filed. The searches were conducted at the office and residential premises of Kumar in Patna, Motihari (East Champaran), Muzaffarpur and Hajipur (Vaishali). In addition, raiding teams also searched the houses of Rajesh Kumars close relatives. Initial searches led to the recovery of documents related to investments in real estate, insurance companies. Some suspicious transactions of money were discovered and some electronic devices were seized. Evidence of huge investment in real estate has been found during the operation, the officer said. Earlier, EOU registered a case against the accountant and obtained order for carrying out searches at the office and residential premises at multiple locations in the state capital and outside. The details will be available after the search operation concludes, the officer associated with the operation said. Meanwhile, the Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar has asked the officials of the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU), EOU and Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) to intensify operations against corrupt public servants. More than 60 such operations have been conducted across the state in recent months. The frequent operation against corrupt public servants has created a flutter in the states administrative circles.

Bihar to grant arms licences to Panchayat representatives amid rising attacks

PATNA: In a significant move ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, the Bihar government has decided to issue arms licences to representatives of the three-tier panchayati raj institutions across the state. The decision follows a series of violent attacks on panchayat representatives, particularly mukhiyas (panchayat heads). The state government has directed all District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police to begin processing arms licence applications from elected panchayat members. However, the directive emphasises that the established rules for verifying arms licence applications must be strictly adhered to. The verification process should be completed promptly and without unnecessary delay, the government noted. The proposal, initiated by the Panchayati Raj Department, received approval during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday. Kumar instructed officials to expedite the licensing process, treating applications from panchayat representatives as a priority. The move comes in the wake of several high-profile killings. Just last week, a mukhiya and his aide were shot dead in Lakhisarai district while returning home from a function. In February, Mahesh Mishra, Deputy Mukhiya of Chiraila Panchayat in Gaya district and a JD(U) block secretary, was murdered. Similar incidents, including murder attempts and threats, have been reported from multiple districts such as Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Saran, Bhojpur, Jamui, and Nawada. Concerned by the deteriorating security situation, panchayat representatives had previously met senior state officials to demand protection. This measure adds to a series of steps taken by the state government to support local representatives ahead of elections expected in OctoberNovember this year. Allowances for panchayat members have already been increased. In another key decision, the government has approved the construction of marriage halls in every panchayat for the weddings of women from economically weaker backgrounds. A budget of Rs 4,026 crore has been sanctioned for the scheme, which will be implemented through 'Jeevika Didis', members of local womens self-help groups.

PM Modi inaugurates, lays foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 5,900 crore in Bihar's Siwan

SIWAN : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched 28 development projects worth more than Rs 5,900 crore in Bihar's Siwan district. Modi inaugurated the new Vaishali Deoria railway line project, built at a cost of over Rs 400 crore, and flagged off a new train service on this route. Additionally, in a major boost to connectivity in north Bihar, Modi also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra (Patna) and Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah. Further promoting the 'Make in India, Make for the World' initiative, Modi flagged off a state-of-the-art locomotive built at Marhowra plant for export to the Republic of Guinea. The locomotive is equipped with high-horsepower engines, advanced AC propulsion systems, microprocessor-based controls, ergonomic cab designs, and regenerative braking. In line with his commitment to conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga, the PM inaugurated six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) under the Namami Gange project, worth over Rs 1,800 crore. He also laid the foundation stone for additional water supply, sanitation and STP projects across Bihar, totaling Rs 3,000 crore. In a major thrust to the energy sector, the PM laid the foundation stone for a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) across 15 grid substations in the state, including those in Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, and Siwan. With each substation to house 20-80 MWh capacity batteries, the system is expected to help discoms reduce peak-hour electricity costs and enhance supply reliability. These units will save the distribution companies from buying electricity at expensive rates by feeding the already-stored electricity back to the grid, benefiting the consumers, an official said. Modi also handed over the first instalment to more than 53,600 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban (PMAY-U) and marked the Grih Pravesh ceremony for over 6,600 completed houses by handing over keys to select beneficiaries. Earlier in the day, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister, Samrat Choudhary, in a post on X wrote, Today the people of Bihar are eagerly waiting for Modi ji, from energy to railways, from housing to export.He (the PM) is bringing many gifts for the people of the state during his 51st visit to Bihar today. Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, Union ministers and several officials were present on the occasion.

Bihar to get six new airports, cabinet gives key approval

The Bihar cabinet has approved air connectivity for six more cities, including Madhubani and Muzaffarpur, under the UDAN scheme, allocating 150 crore for airport development. Additionally, a five-star hotel will be constructed in Patna via PPP, and MSPs were fixed for chana, mustard, and masoor.

Bihar Police propose establishment of 100 fast-track courts for timely justice

PATNA: Bihar police have proposed fast track courts in each district of the state for the speedy trial of cases, especially those related to attachment of property acquired through illegal means. Talking to media persons, Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar said on Monday that the state police headquarters has sent proposals to government for setting up 100 fast track courts to conduct proceedings of pending cases on a priority basis. He recalled that in 2005, when Nitish Kumar had assumed power, 178 fast track courts were operational across the state which ensured speedy trial of criminal cases and increased conviction rates. The courts were all opened between 2000 and 2011, he said, adding that they were later stopped and hence cases started piling. DGP Kumar revealed that around 17 lakh cases were pending in various courts. Bihar has a special POCSO court, an ST/ST court and a special prohibition court. DGP Kumar said that action will be initiated against the accused irrespective of their profession. Action will be taken against corrupt police personnel, politicians and other professionals who have accumulated wealth through unlawful means, he asserted. DGP Kumar said that 1,172 criminals under 1,249 police stations have been identified, who have amassed assets through unlawful activities. Sub-divisional police officers (SDPOs) have submitted proposals for attachment of property against 239 criminals, he added. Moreover, proposals against 212 criminals were pending at offices of SPs concerned. Besides, 188 proposals have already been submitted to courts, in which decisions are yet to be taken by the courts. However, in four cases, courts have issued orders, including two criminals of Muzaffarpur. Explaining the procedure, DGP Kumar said that the respective courts will issue notices to criminals against whom proposals for attachment of property have been submitted, seeking their opinion within 14 days. The courts have power to take ex-party decisions, if the criminals fail to reply to notices within the stipulated period. DGP Kumar said that the investigating officers (IOs) have been given special powers to take decisions about the offenders against whom proposals for attachment of property have to be given to their seniors. It will depend on the nature of offences they have been involved and value of property they have earned through illegal means, he told the media. Property attachment is considered to be a significant step towards breaking the morale of anti-socials. DGP said that cases in all heads have declined considerably in recent months.

ED raids nine locations linked to Bihar contractor Rishu Shree in money laundering case

PATNA: Tightening the noose around a Bihars leading contractor Rishu Ranjan Sinha alias Rishu Shree in connection with a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case, Enforcement Directorate(ED), on Friday conducted fresh search operations at his nine locations across the country. Search operations were conducted across Patna, Muzaffarpur, Surat and Panipat under the provisions of PMLA. During the search operations, several incriminating evidence and documents were seized. Sources said that the search operation started on Thursday evening and concluded on Friday. ED launched the investigation on the basis of FIR registered by Special Vigilance Unit (SVU), Bihar against Rishu Shree and others. Rishu Shrees firms work as contractors/sub-contractors in various state governments departments, such as water resources, health, public health engineering, urban development, Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO), education, building and construction, and rural works department. Rishu Shree allegedly got government tenders rewarded in his favour with the complicity of various government officials. The raids were connected at thepremises of his associates and travel agents connected to Rishu Shree. In March this year, ED seized Rs 11.64 crore in cash during searches at multiple locations linked to senior officials of the Bihar government on Thursday, officials said on Friday. The raids were conducted following fresh evidence in a money laundering case against 1997-batch IAS officer Sanjeev Hans, who is currently lodged in Beur Central Jail in Patna. Officials said searches were carried out at seven locations in Patna, including the residence of Bihar Building Construction Department chief engineer Tarini Das. Raids were also conducted at the premises of Mumukshu Chaudhary, joint secretary in the finance department, and Umesh Kumar Singh, executive engineer in the urban development and housing department, among others. A case was registered against suspended IAS officer Sanjeev Hans and Rishu Shree, by the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) on April 30. A copy of the FIR was submitted to the court on Friday. ED's probe revealed that Rishu Shree acted as a middleman in transactions between government officials and contractors, while also facilitating financial dealings between companies on behalf of Sanjeev Hans. Sanjeev Hans is currently lodged in the Beur central jail. Rishu Shree, a government contractor has floated numerous firms, serving as a mediator in deals between officials and contractors in various projects. Later, he took sub-contracting roles in th same projects.

'Rapists Should Be Tried For Treason': YouTuber Khan Sir On Muzaffarpur Rape-Murder Case

The girl, who was raped and brutally attacked on May 26, died from her injuries at a government-run hospital on Sunday morning

Tejashwi Escapes Unhurt As His Convoy Hit By Truck In Bihar, 3 Security Personnel Injured

Vaishali (Bihar), Jun 7: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav escaped unhurt as a speeding truck hit two vehicles of his convoy, injuring three security personnel in Bihars Vaishali district early on Saturday, police said. The vehicle of the leader of the opposition was not hit by the truck, a senior officer said. The accident took place around 12.30 am when Yadavs convoy had stopped for a tea break on the Patna-Muzaffarpur national highway near Goraul, he said. They were returning to [] The post Tejashwi Escapes Unhurt As His Convoy Hit By Truck In Bihar, 3 Security Personnel Injured appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Properties of rape accused razed in Bihar, locals dub it 'bulldozer justice model'

The accused, who had been dodging the police, has surrendered. Further action will be taken as per directions of the court, says Vidya Sagar, SP (Rural) Muzaffarpur

Patna Diary | Nitish Kumar: A CM full of surprises

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar always has a surprise up his sleeve whenever he is in public. This time around, Nitish was participating at a public function in Darbhanga when, in the middle of his speech, he suddenly pointed at Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary, saying, Our partys deputy CM has also arrived, stand up. After this, all the ministers, MPs and others sitting around him stood up while the audience clapped enthusiastically. Undoubtedly, the CM considers standing up as a sign of reverence. To that effect, he had appealed to people to stand up from their respective seats to welcome PM Modi during the Bikramganj rally, giving observers a reason to smile even as poll heat intensifies in Bihar. PK targets Lalu, Tejashwi over CM ambition Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor never misses a chance to take a dig at RJD chief and former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad. During his Bihar Badlao Yatra, he accused Lalu of aspiring to see his son, Tejashwi Yadav, as King of Bihar, even though he has not cleared class 9. Kishor clarified he is not criticising Lalu for his putra moh (affection for son) but praising him because people must learn how to take care of their children from the former CM. Lalu has always been worried about his family and not the people of Bihar, Kishor jibed. He is so worried about his child that he wants him to become king of Bihar. When I say this, people say I complain about him. No! We are praising Lalu Yadav. BJP MLA draws flak from rape-murder victims kin A piquant situation unfolded when BJP MLA Manoj Kumar Gupta asked family members of a rape-murder victim in Muzaffarpur to swear they were telling the truth about delay in treatment of the victim at Patna Medical College and Hospital. The victims family got agitated over the MLAs contention and alleged the latter didnt pay heed to their repeated calls for help when they visited the hospital for treatment of 9-year-old victim. As the situation heated up, deputy CM Vijay Sinha intervened and assured that justice would be done. Sinha said the government has taken a grave view of the incident and the offenders would not be spared. Ramashankar Our correspondent in Bihar ramashankar@newindianexpress.com

Bihar sexual assault case: Accused surrenders before court

PATNA: Mukesh Rai, the prime accused in the alleged rape of an 11-year-old girl in Bihars Muzaffarpur district, surrendered before a local court on Thursday. His appearance in court came after a police team reached his house tasked with attaching his property following a directive from the competent court. Earlier in the day, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha had visited the victims family, assuring them of comprehensive support from the state. Sinha reiterated the government's stance on criminal justice, stating, Police have been given free hand to deal with serious criminal offences. Rai had been absconding since the case was registered against him at the Turki police station in Muzaffarpur. Confirming his arrest, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Muzaffarpur, Sushil Kumar, said, Police will submit a chargesheet against the accused soon and put the case for speedy trial. The incident, which garnered widespread public attention, occurred on May 3. According to police reports, Rai allegedly abducted the minor, a Class VIII student, from near her house and subsequently outraged her modesty at a secluded place on the outskirts of the village. He is reported to have later dropped the victim near her residence, allegedly threatening her not to reveal the ordeal. When the girl's relatives attempted to lodge a complaint at the Turki police station, the station house officer (SHO) reportedly advised them to approach the womens police station to register the case. This perceived dilly-dallying attitude prompted the family to escalate the matter to senior police officials. Taking a serious note of the matter, SSP put the SHO under suspension and also a woman sub-inspector for her slackness to initiate prompt action against the accused. Another assistant sub-inspector of police was suspended for dereliction of duty. In a related development, a roadside eatery purportedly belonging to the accused was demolished by authorities. Rai, who is reported to work as a middleman at the block office, is believed to have amassed significant assets through illicit means.

Chirag fires salvo at Nitish before joining Bihar politics

PATNA: On the verge of joining Bihar politics, Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Wednesday fired a salvo at the Nitish Kumar government over a young girls death after she was deprived of immediate treatment at a government hospital in Patna. In a letter to the chief minister, Paswan said the incident reflected poorly on the governments inadequate health infrastructure. The girl, who hailed from Muzaffarpur district, waited for hours in an ambulance at the government-run Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and died because of delayed treatment. The victims family alleged hospital indifference caused her death. Paswan said, The heart-rending incident of Dalit girls rape and murder exposes the failure of Bihars law and order, social awareness and public health. Paswans letter comes amid reports that he may formally announce his intention to contest the Assembly elections at a public rally in Ara, Bhojpur district, next week. His letter is significant, given that the assembly elections are a few months away and Chirags LJP(RV) and Nitishs JD(U) are constituents of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The relationship between Nitish and Chirag soured after the LJP leader, the son of the late Ram Vilas Paswan, fielded candidates against JD (U) candidates on some seats in the last assembly election, which impacted the latters chances in 36-40 seats. However, their recent bonhomie in public seems to suggest they had buried the hatchet. Paswans letter blamed the hospitals doctors and administrative staff for the girls death. They did not provide prompt treatment and thus lost precious time. It is not just negligence, but a crime against humanity, he wrote. Paswan said his partys leaders met with the victims family and assured them of justice. But justice will be incomplete and unacceptable without strict and transparent action against the accused at the administrative level. He requested an investigation into the alleged negligence of the medical staff. It is not simply a matter of death as it has become a symbol of the failure of our social system and a failure of our constitutional responsibility. If the administration stays silent, this silence will become the biggest crime, he asserted.

Tejashwi Yadav Slams Nitish Kumar Over Muzaffarpur Rape Case

Bihar Leader of the Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his government on Monday over the Muzaffarpur rape case and medical negligence at PMCH that led to the death of a 10-year-old Dalit girl.

Chirag Paswan's Poll Message In Letter To Nitish Kumar On Bihar Rape-Murder

Union Minister and BJP ally Chirag Paswan has written to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, also a BJP ally, on the Muzaffarpur rape-murder case, raising serious questions on the state's law and order situation and public health infrastructure.

Bihar has been carrying failure of NDA govt for many years: RJD's Tejashwi Yadav

Tejashwi Yadav attacked the Bihar government, citing failures. He mentioned the Muzaffarpur case and alleged administrative issues. Yadav claimed the government is neglecting important matters. Rahul Gandhi also criticized the Bihar government over the Muzaffarpur incident. He alleged negligence in the girl's treatment at PMCH. Gandhi demanded strict action against those responsible. Bihar assembly election is due this year.

Rape victim's death: Bihar govt suspends hospital officials

Following opposition protests regarding inadequate care for a minor rape victim from Muzaffarpur, the Bihar government has taken decisive action. Dr. Vibha Kumari, superintendent of SKMCH, Muzaffarpur, was suspended, and Dr. Abhijeet Singh of PMCH was relieved of duties due to negligence. A thorough inquiry has been initiated to investigate all levels of negligence in the victim's treatment.

Bihar court awards death sentence to two accused in Madhubani gangrape case

PATNA: A court in Madhubani district on Tuesday awarded death sentence to two men Sushil Kumar Rai and Om Prakash Jha in a gang rape and murder of an eight-year-old dalit girl. Syed Mohammad Fazlul Bari, judicial magistrate, POCSO court, Madhubani ,delivered the verdict after hearing the case from both the prosecution and the defence. The court also slapped a fine of Rs.1.20 lakh each on the accused. The court, in its order, said that the amount realised from the two convicts as fine would be given to the victims family. In addition, the court directed the government to pay Rs.8 lakh as compensation to the rape victims family as compensation. The brutal rape and murder case occurred in a village in Madhubani district in 2023. The court observed that the incident comes under rarest of the rare category and severe punishment awarded to accused will work as a deterrent to incidents of crime against women. The court further said that the capital punishment awarded to the convict is a significant step towards delivering justice to the victims family. According to the prosecution, the horrifying incident took place when the victim was playing outside her residence in June 2023. They took the girl to a make-shift house in Kosi Colony at Jay Nagar, raped her and later killed her by gaging with a towel. The body was dumped in the make-shift room made of asbestos. On the next day, police arrested Om Prakash Jha and recovered the body of the victim. They also recovered blood-stained clothes of the accused from the spot and sent to the forensic science laboratory for test. The accused were held guilty under sections 366 (A), 376(D), 302/34, 4/5 POCSO Act and 3/5 SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Altogether 18 witnesses were examined by the court. Dalit minor rape case: Bihar govt suspends two medical officials of PMCH Meanwhile, state health department on Tuesday suspended deputy superintendent of Patna Medical College and Hospital Dr. Abhijeet Singh and superintendent of SKMCH, Muzaffarpur, Dr. Kumari Vibha for negligence in treatment of a nine-year-old Dalit rape victim from Muzaffarpur. The girl was made to wait for over four hours in an ambulance as bed was not available at PMCH. The victims family alleged that she died on Sunday morning, within 24 hours of her admission to PMCH, due to a delay in treatment. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said that a three-member team has been constituted to probe the role of the hospital administration in the entire episode. Further action will be taken based on the report, he said. On Tuesday, leader of opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram met the rape victims family in Muzaffarpur and assured their support to fight for justice. Tejashwi slammed chief minister Nitish Kumar and Health Minister Mangal Pandey for negligence on the part of hospital administration, which resulted in the Dalit girls death. Earlier, the state women commission took suo motu cognisance of the incident and sought a report from the state government.

Dalit minor rape case: Bihar government takes action against two medical officials

The 11-year old child was raped and found with nearly 20 knife wounds in Muzaffarpur on May 26; she died at the PMCH on June 1 after waiting in the ambulance for over five hours, waiting to be admitted

Oppn slams Bihar govt over rape, death of 10-year-old

Bihar faces political turmoil. Opposition blames the government for negligence. A Dalit girl from Muzaffarpur was raped and died. Parties protest against poor law and order. They allege delayed treatment at Patna Medical College Hospital. Rahul Gandhi demands justice. Congress seeks the Health Minister's resignation. An NDA ally also wants action for the delay. The government promises a speedy trial.

10 things to know about the Muzaffarpur rape case that shook Bihar

Congress raps Nitish government over rape and murder of nine-year-old Dalit girl in Bihar's Muzaffarpur

PATNA: The Opposition Congress has vowed to continue its agitation over the rape and murder of a nine-year-old Dalit girl in Bihar's Muzaffarpur until justice is delivered to her family. On Monday, Congress workers took out a protest march from the party headquarters at Sadaquat Ashram with posters and banners, demanding justice for Bihars Dalit girl who died on Sunday morning. However, they were stopped by police from marching towards CM Nitish Kumar's residence. A minor scuffle ensued between police and protesters. Some leaders were also taken into custody and detained for a while. However, the protesters reiterated their resolve to fight for justice for the victims family. They got support from Congress MP Rahul Gandhi who wrote on X, The brutality against a minor Dalit girl in Muzaffarpur and subsequent negligence in her treatment is extremely shameful. If she had received timely treatment, her life could have been saved. But the 'double-engine' government was negligent not only in providing security but in saving her life. Demanding justice for the victim, Rahul further wrote, We will not sit quietly until the victims family gets justice. Strict action should be taken against the culprit and negligent officers. He called the death of the rape victim a case of systematic apathy and medical negligence. The Congress women's cell is also busy chalking out a strategy to corner the NDA government over womens safety. Women cell leaders attacked Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for his failure to ensure safety and security to women, who they said were being subjected to sexual assault at frequent intervals across the state. Meanwhile, a group of people torched the house of the accused and demanded stern action against him for his heinous act. They described the accused identified as Rohit Sahni, a resident of the same village the victim belonged to, as a a psycho rapist who had committed such an offence for the second time. Bihar Dalit rape victim dies after being made to wait for hours in ambulance Vidyasagar, superintendent of police (SP), Muzaffarpur (Rural), said the chargesheet against the accused would be submitted in the court within 15 days and the case listed for speedy trial. SSP Sushil Kumar said that the victim was known to the accused. He was immediately arrested and produced in the court, which remanded him in judicial custody, he added. The incident occurred on May 26. The accused lured her by providing her chocolates, took her to a nearby maize field and sexually assaulted her. He also attempted to kill her on the spot by stabbing her with a knife around her chest and neck 20 times, causing multiple injuries. The rape victim was rushed to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital in Muzaffarpur from where she was referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Saturday. In the PMCH premises, she had to wait for more than four hours in an ambulance before finally getting a bed. The victims family alleged that the girl was admitted to PMCH after the intervention of some Congress leaders who reached the hospital and talked to senior officials. The deceaseds uncle alleged that they were made to wait for two hours with the minor, but the hospital administration didnt admit her. Her uncle said that if the girl had been admitted to PMCH on time, her life could have been saved. According to police, there were slash wounds on the girls throat and chest. The accused tried to kill her by slitting her throat. Her vocal cords were damaged, and she was unable to speak, an investigating officer Aditi Kumari said.

Bihar: Dalit rape victim dies after 5 hr delay in hospital admission

A minor Dalit girl, who was brutally raped and stabbed, died on Sunday, June 2, at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) after battling severe injuries, with her family alleging medical negligence. The assault occurred on May 26 in Muzaffarpur. According to reports, the victim was found abandoned near a pond with her throat slit Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

11-year-old Dalit rape victim dies of injuries in Patna

She was raped and found in a pit with 20 knife wounds in Bihars Muzaffarpur; Congress leader says she was left in ambulance outside Patna hospital for 5 hours before being admitted; party stages protest blaming NDA government for the death

Bihar: Rape victim dies at Patna hospital, Congress accuses Nitish govt of being insensitive

A minor Dalit girl, victim of a brutal rape in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, died at a Patna hospital due to severe injuries and alleged medical negligence. The incident sparked outrage, with accusations of delayed treatment and government insensitivity. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party condemned the state government, demanding justice and accountability for the tragic loss and systemic failures.

Bihar Dalit rape victim dies after being made to wait for hours in ambulance

PATNA: A nine-year-old Dalit girl from Bihars Muzaffarpur, who was raped and brutally attacked on May 26, died at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Sunday morning, amid allegations that she was left waiting in an ambulance for several hours before getting a bed. She was brought to PMCH from Muzaffarpur-based SKMCH in a critical condition on Saturday. Former Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan said the party would ensure justice for the victim's family. She also lashed out at state health minister Mangal Pandey over the deteriorating condition of premier hospitals like PMCH. I demand Mangal Pandeys resignation. He has no moral right to remain in office when the poor are being denied healthcare despite the state government's tall claims of improving infrastructure in government-run hospitals, she said. Rajesh Rathod, media in-charge of Congress, said that the rape victim had to wait in ambulance for several hours in the premises of the PMCH. Her family members reached the PMCH at 11 am on Saturday. It took the hospital administration more than four hours to arrange a bed for her, he added. Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram slammed the state government for its insensitivity towards women, citing the rising incidents of sexual assault. The law-and-order machinery has completely collapsed in the state, he said. Sushil Kumar, senior superintendent of police (SSP) of Muzaffarpur district, said that the accused, identified as Rohit Sahni has already been arrested. Muzaffarpur residents alleged that the accused Rohit Sahani had earlier committed the same offence with another 12-year-old girl at the village and attempted to kill her. However, she had survived in the incident. Meanwhile, the Muzaffarpur unit of the Congress staged a protest at Saraiyaganj Tower Chowk, condemning the incident and threatening to intensify their agitation. Party members alleged that three cases of rape have been reported in the district in recent days.

Gorakhpur to Patna in just 5 hours with new Vande Bharat Express: Check timings, ticket prices, stoppages here

The new Gorakhpur-Patna Vande Bharat express, with 8 coaches, will cover a distance of about 500 kilometers. From Gorakhpur to Patna, Muzaffarpur will be the only scheduled stoppage.

In dry Bihar, ambulance used to transport liquor

An ambulance is generally associated with ferrying patients to hospitals; however, on Thursday, May 1, an ambulance in Bihar was caught carrying foreign liquor. Given Bihar is a dry state since 2016, people find unique methods to get hold of booze. In this particular incident in Muzaffarpur districts Sadatpur area, forty cartons of foreign liquor Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

In Dry Bihar, Ambulance Has No Patient, But Carton After Carton Of Liquor

Forty cartons of foreign liquor worth Rs 10 lakh were recovered from an ambulance in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar on Thursday evening, officials said, adding that the vehicle's driver has been arrested.

How can I survive without my husband if deported?: Pakistani nationals face uncertainty after visas revoked

PATNA: The Centres decision to revoke all visas issued to Pakistani nationals has come as a bolt from the blue for them. I would rather die on the land where I was born (India) than return to Pakistan, so says a visibly despondent Nusarat Firoz (62). Firoz who married a Pakistani national named Firoz Akhtar in 1992 and moved across the border returned to India with their three children after the death of her husband in 2012. Back in India, she and her children have spent more than a decade living with her brothers in Bihars Patna. I have been here with my children for the last 13 years or so. I have got my daughter married in Patna. My two sons, who have finished studies, are doing well in life. The government directive to cancel the visas has upended our lives, she rues. Firozs is not an isolated case. Waziha from Pakistans Karachi tied the knot with Tanveer Ahmad, an Indian national, in 2012. She has been living with her husband and three children in Bihars Muzaffarpur since then. But her future hangs in the balance now. I have been living here on an extended visa. I have not been to Pakistan since we got married. Waziha, a native of Pakistans Sindh province, says, Now, India is our mulk (country), she insists, expressing her reluctance to go back to Pakistan. In a separate case, Aftab Alam, also a resident of Muzaffarpur whose family is in Pakistan, is anxious as he would not be able to meet his wife and their 10-year-old daughter now. These are just some of the many Pakistani nationals and families bearing the brunt of the government move triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack.

Man who raped air hostess while on ventilator, arrested

The accused has been identified as Deepak (25), a native of Bihar's Muzaffarpur, who had been living in Gurugram for some time, they said.

4 children killed as gas cylinder blasts trigger fire in Bihar's Muzaffarpur

MUZAFFARPUR: Four children were killed in a fire triggered by the explosion of multiple cooking gas cylinders in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district on Wednesday, officials said. The incident happened in Rampurmani village in the Bariyarpur police station area in the morning, they said. The deceased were identified as Vipul Kumar (5), Beauty Kumari (8), Hansika Kumari (3) and Shrishti Kumari (4), they added. Prima facie, it appears that the fire was caused by cylinder blasts. Four children were charred to death in the incident, District Magistrate Subrata Sen said. Immediately after receiving information, fire engines reached the spot and doused the blaze. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, he said. An ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each will be immediately provided to the next of kin of the deceased, the DM said. People whose houses were damaged will be provided with rations by the district administration. The administration will also provide financial assistance to them, he said. Further investigation is underway, he added.

Tejashwi to meet Kharge, Rahul in Delhi on Apr 15 ahead of Oppn meeting

PATNA: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav is likely to meet senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi on Tuesday to deliberate upon seat-sharing and other issues pertaining to the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar. Yadavs meeting with top Congress leaders in the capital is being seen as an attempt to sort out growing disagreement between two allies over some issues, including declaration of chief ministerial candidate of the Opposition in the election vis-a-vis NDAs Nitish Kumar. RJD, Congress, CPI-ML (Liberation), CPI, CPM and VIP are the constituents of grand alliance in Bihar. Mukesh Sahanis Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) has already staked claim on 60 seats and a Dy CMs post. Currently, Sahani has no MLA in the 243-member Bihar assembly. The MLA of the party who emerged victorious in byelection in Bochaha assembly seat in Muzaffarpur later joined BJP. The Congress has also announced it would contest 70 seats in the election. In 2020, it contested 70 seats but could bag only 19. The partys top leadership has clarified that it would go to polls in alliance with RJD. Disagreement surfaced over declaration of chief ministerial candidate ahead of elections. While RJD is projecting Tejashwi as CM face of the Opposition, the Congress contended that a decision on the matter will be taken after the assembly election results. NDA selects Nitish NDA has already announced that the alliance would contest the assembly elections under Bihar CM Nitish Kumars leadership. It has also declared that Nitish would become the chief minister after the assembly election results.

From Myanmar To Nagaland To Bihar: How A Smuggled AK-47 Goes From Rs 7,000 To Rs 7 Lakh

A review of the FIR at Fakuli police station, Muzaffarpur, along with the police investigation and case diary, revealed that the weapons were smuggled into India via the Myanmar-China border route

Man Beats Wife To Death With Baton In Front Of Kids In Bihar, Video Goes Viral

In a heart-wrenching incident, a man allegedly beat his wife to death in front of their minor children following a domestic dispute in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district, an official said on Saturday.

Healing Without Medicine: This Bihar Temple Is Linked To Remarkable Recoveries Free Of Cost

Arogya Mandir in Muzaffarpur, Bihar offers free Vedic treatments every Thursday, addressing severe ailments without medication, focusing on digestion and immunity.

Lightning, thunderstorms kill 61 in Bihar; CM Nitish Kumar announces 4 lakh ex-gratia

PATNA: At least 61 people have died due to lightning strikes and hailstorms that lashed several districts of Bihar over the past 48 hours . Nalanda district reported the highest number of fatalities, with 22 deaths on Thursday alone. Other districts also reported casualties: Patna, Bhojpur, Siwan, and Gaya recorded four deaths each; Gopalganj and Jamui reported three each; Muzaffarpur, Jehanabad, Saran, and Arwal reported two deaths each; while Begusarai, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Katihar, Munger, Madhepura, Araria, and Bhagalpur each reported one death. Nalanda District Magistrate Shashank Bhubhankar confirmed that 21 people died due to thunderstorms and one due to lightning. He added that relief and rescue operations are underway in the affected areas. Instructions have been issued to hand over the bodies to their families after postmortem examinations. Efforts are also being made to restore traffic disrupted by fallen trees. Police personnel have been deployed to clear roads by removing logs and branches. Six people died in Nagma village under the Manpur police station limits when a tree fell on a temple on Thursday. The victims had taken shelter in the temple during the hailstorm, and a wall collapse caused their deaths. Other fatalities in Nalanda district were reported from Jaitipur under Islampur block, Dekpura under Rahui block, as well as from the Silao and Giriyak blocks. The district administration has released emergency contact numbers for residents. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia payment of 4 lakh to the families of the deceased. In a statement issued by the Chief Ministers Office, people were urged to stay indoors and go out only in cases of emergency. On Wednesday, 13 more people had died due to lightning strikes across four districts of the state. Heavy rains and hailstorms have affected at least 25 out of Bihars 38 districts in the past two days. In addition to the loss of human lives, the storms have caused extensive damage to homes, livestock, and agricultural crops. A senior official from the State Disaster Management Department stated that district officials have been directed to assess the damage to property and crops. Compensation will be provided to affected individuals based on their reports.

More Muslim leaders quit JD(U) over support to Waqf Amendment Bill

PATNA: The list of Muslim leaders resigning from the Janata Dal (United) in protest against the partys support to the Centres Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament is growing steadily. On Saturday, Afridi Rehman, the state general secretary of JD(U)s minority cell, resigned from both the party and his organisational post. Afridi told media persons that he had stepped down from JD(U)s primary membership and the post of state general secretary in the minority cell following the partys support to the Waqf Amendment Bill. His supporters also raised slogans against the JD(U)s stance on the Bill, calling it anti-Muslim. In his resignation letter sent to JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar and state unit chief Umesh Kushwaha, Afridi said he was deeply hurt by the party's support to the Bill in Parliament. Dr Kasim, district spokesperson of JD(U)s medical unit in Muzaffarpur, also resigned from the partys primary membership to express solidarity with other Muslim leaders. JD(U)s medical cell president Dr Rajesh Patel said Dr Kasim was appointed as district spokesperson on 15 October 2023, but had been removed from the post on 10 May 2024 due to anti-party activities. Dr Patel claimed, Dr Kasims resignation will not affect the party as he had already been removed from the primary membership. Dr Kasim had unsuccessfully contested the 2020 state assembly election from the Dhaka seat in East Champaran district, securing only 499 votes from over 3.21 lakh voters. Five Muslim JD(U) leaders resign in protest against partys support to Waqf Amendment Bill Earlier, seven Muslim leaders, including Mohammad Kasim Ansari, Nadeem Akhtar, Nawaz Mallik, Mohammad Raju Nayyar, and Tabrez Siddiqui Alig, had quit the party soon after the Bill was passed in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Bill is currently awaiting presidential assent, after which it will become an Act. Meanwhile, JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said those leaders who resigned had no real association with the party. The names which are claiming to be part of JD(U), are not actually a part of the party. They were outsiders and no longer associated with JD(U), he said, adding that the Opposition was creating confusion around the Bill for political gain. He further claimed, The interest of the Minority community will not be affected under Nitish Kumars tenure. Nitish has taken several measures for the welfare of the Minority community. JD(U)s minority cell state president Asaraf Ansari and spokesperson Anjum Ara also backed the chief ministers stance. Nitish Kumars contribution to the development of people belonging to the Minority community is significant. It is a conspiracy to defame the party, they said at a press conference.

85-Year-Old Muzaffarpur Man Dies Six Months After Performing His Own Last Rites

85-year-old Vishwanath Rai from Muzaffarpur performed his own shraddha in September 2024. He had no children. He died six months later, and his distant relatives performed his last rites

Opposition slams CM Nitish Kumar over 'erratic' behaviour during national anthem at Patna event

PATNA: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has come under fire of the Opposition following his erratic behaviour during the national anthem played at a sporting event in the state capital. On Saturday, CPI-ML (Liberation), an ally of RJD led grand alliance, hit out at Nitish, saying that he should resign as he was unable to run the state. CPI-ML (Liberation) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya turned to X saying that the recent public utterances and conduct of the chief minister Nitish Kumar were sufficient to prove that he was no longer in a position to discharge his duties as the chief minister of the state. Is Nitish Kumar still fit to discharge the responsibilities of a Chief Minister? On #BiharDiwas2025 , Bihar needs clarity about the conditions of the Chief Minister. His public conduct and utterances increasingly indicate that something is seriously wrong. https://t.co/L3AQzJm1zR pic.twitter.com/1mflnyi1zJ Dipankar (@Dipankar_cpiml) March 22, 2025 The CPI-ML (Liberation) leader also criticised the BJP, a major ally of NDA both at the centre and in the state, for maintaining a silence over the health condition of the chief minister even though the saffron party had made it a big issue in Odisha. Even PM Narendra Modi had spoken about the health condition of then chief minister Naveen Patnaik. But PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were keeping mum over the health condition of Bihar chief minister and JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar. Everybody is aware of the health condition of Nitish except PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Dipankar said, adding that the eccentric behaviour of Nitish during an official function in Patna on Thursday showed that he was not in a position to run the state. Earlier in the day, RJD pasted posters outside the residence of former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi criticising Nitish Kumar for disrespecting to the national anthem. The posters, featuring the words Nayak nahi khalnayak hoon main (I am not a hero, I am a villain), aimed at expressing the partys growing discontent with Nitishs actions. RJD workers also burnt the effigies of the chief minister at district headquarters to vent their protest against the CMs erratic behaviour and causing disrespect to the national anthem in full public view. The controversy erupted after a purported video went viral on social media, showing Nitish speaking and greeting while the national anthem played at an official function in the state capital on Thursday. The video caused a backlash, with many calling out the chief minister for disrespecting the national anthem. A complaint petition was also filed in a Muzaffarpur court, seeking action against the chief minister for disrespecting the national anthem. The petition sought action under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nayaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Insult to the National Honour Act. On the other hand, RJD national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad defended the chief minister saying that the Opposition has no issue against the ruling NDA, so they were raising such issues. There is nothing objectionable. The Opposition is unnecessarily blowing it out of proportion, a JD(U) spokesperson said. He claimed that Nitish was is 100 per cent physically and mentally fit to run the state. There is no need to conduct his medical examination and a health bullet on his health, as demanded by some opposition leaders, he told the media. On Friday, Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kumar said that the government should issue a medical bulletin on the health condition of Nitish. This is a serious issue as it is related to the fate of nearly 13 crore people of Bihar, he remarked.