After finding CBI, ED ineffective against opponents, BJP now using EC to fix Bihar polls: Tejashwi
PATNA: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday charged the Election Commission with trying to fix upcoming Bihar assembly polls in favour of the ruling BJP at the Centre which, he claimed, found the CBI, ED and Income Tax department ineffective against the saffron party's political opponents. Yadav went hammer and tongs at the EC at a press conference here, alleging that the poll panel is providing more than one voter ID card to many BJP voters. The leader of the opposition said the option of boycotting the assembly elections, due later this year, is open in view of the poll panel being allegedly hell bent upon treachery. The EC is unabashedly trying to fix the assembly polls in favour of the BJP. The constitutional body seems to have replaced agencies like CBI, ED and Income Tax department, which have proven to be ineffective in the game of cornering those opposed to the party that rules the Centre, Yadav alleged. INDIA bloc leaders have been alleging that the BJP-led central government uses agencies such as CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) to intimidate opposition functionaries. He claimed that as part of the game, the EC is providing more than one voter ID card to many BJP voters. Last year, I had exposed the case of Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha. Today, I wish to bring to light the instance of Muzaffarpur Mayor Nirmala Devi, who may well be the BJP candidate in the upcoming polls. Both she and her husbands younger brother, in addition to another relative, have two voter ID cards each, Yadav said. They must have also filled up as many enumeration forms, and officials involved in the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls chose to look the other way, he alleged. Shortly afterwards, the district administration of Muzaffarpur served a notice to Nirmala Devi and her two relatives for allegedly possessing two voter ID cards, and asked them to reply to it by August 16. Sinha, who claims to have applied last year to delete his name from the voters list in one of the two places, had been served with a notice last week. Tejashwi Yadav should first come clean on the two EPIC cards that he possesses. He is levelling baseless charges against me. I am mooting legal action, the BJP leader said. At the press conference, Yadav expressed bewilderment over the EC never talking to the press despite so much controversy. Democracy seems to be seriously imperilled in this country. The Prime Minister never talks to the press, nor does the chief minister of Bihar. Now, the Election Commission seems to be following their example, he said. The EC only comes up with inane press statements and falsely claims that no political party has filed any objection, even though the RJD's booth-level agents have been doing so in every assembly segment, Yadav asserted. Yesterday, the ECs counsel was screaming before the Supreme Court - you should cooperate with us! You should cooperate with us! This begs the question, are you even talking to us? said the RJD leader, whose party colleague Manoj Kumar Jha happens to be one of the petitioners who have challenged the SIR in the state. The former Deputy CM said, The Election Commission stands exposed before the top court where several persons turned up, after having been declared as dead in the SIR, leading to deletion of their names in the draft electoral rolls. The RJD leader, who is the INDIA blocs de facto chief ministerial candidate, alleged that this is not the first time that votes were stolen by the EC. The game was played in the 2020 assembly polls as well. Our vote tally for all 243 assembly segments was just about 12,000 less than that of the NDA, and this left us short of a majority by a dozen seats, he said. Replying to a query, the RJD leader said he would be joining Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for the 'Matdata Adhikar (voters right) yatra' beginning in Rohtas district on August 17. As stated earlier, we shall also be keeping the option open to boycott the polls if the EC remains hell-bent upon treachery, Yadav said. Yadav also took exception to Bhikhubhai Dalsania, the BJPs state general secretary (organisation), getting registered as a voter in Bihar despite hailing from Gujarat. The RJD leader was lambasted by Nityanand Rai, a former state BJP president who is now the Union Minister of State for Home. The stupidity of Tejashwi Yadav makes me laugh. He seems to be rattled by the fact that the Supreme Court has upheld the validity of SIR, throwing his objections out of the window, Rai said. As far as Bhikhubhai Dalsania is concerned, he is an RSS pracharak who has devoted his life to serving the nation, he said. A dynast like Tejashwi Yadav can never appreciate the likes of Bhikhubhai, who did not care to set up their own family. The RJD and its allies are worried that fake electors, who were patronised by them as part of vote bank politics, are all set for ouster, claimed Rai.
Row Over Bihar Mayor's Twin Voter ID Cards, Poll Body Sends Notice
The Mayor of Muzaffarpur have been asked to explain two voter ID cards that she allegedly has, sources have said.
Tejashwi Yadav accused the Election Commission of India of colluding with the BJP to manipulate Bihar's voter list, alleging the issuance of multiple EPIC numbers to BJP leaders and workers. He claimed names of people from other states were being added to Bihar's voter list.
EC 'colluding' with BJP to 'steal' votes in Bihar, alleges RJD's Tejashwi Yadav
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has accused the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP to steal votes in the upcoming Bihar assembly polls. He alleged that the EC is helping BJP leaders obtain multiple voter ID cards, citing the example of Muzaffarpur Mayor Nirmala Devi, who allegedly possesses two voter IDs. Yadav questioned the anomaly and demanded accountability.
The RJD leader also claimed that Bihar BJP organisation General Secretary Bhikhubhai Dalsania, who was a voter of Gujarat till the last Lok Sabha election, has now become a voter of Patna district
81 AAI-run airports suffer Rs 10,853 crore loss in 10 years; 22 now non-operational
NEW DELHI: Eighty-one airports operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have suffered a cumulative loss of Rs 10,852.9 crore in past 10 financial years. Today, 22 of these airports have become non-operational. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol presented the data in the Rajya Sabha on August 4 while replying to a query posed by Congress MP Jebi Mather Hisam. The MP wanted to know details of Indian airports operating at a loss and if there were any plans to shut those with negligible flight operations. She also wanted to know if any financial aid was being offered to underperforming airports. Data released for the years from 2015-2016 to 2024-2025 reveals the 81 airports across the country have cumulatively suffered a Rs 10,852.9-crore loss. Delhis Safdarjung airport has suffered the most, incurring a loss of Rs 673.91 crore. Agartala airport with a Rs 605.23-crore loss stands second, while Hyderabad, with Rs 564.97 crore, Dehradun with Rs 488.01 crore, and Vijayawada with Rs 483.69 crore in losses figure among the top five loss-making airport nationwide. Asked for a reason, a senior Aviation Ministry official said Safdarjung airport, though the main airport in the national capital, is now a thing of the past, as it is not actually operational for commercial flights presently. It serves to ferry VVIPS to the Indira Gandhi International Airport, he said. Among other major loss-making airports are Bhopal (Rs 480.43 crore), Aurangabad (Rs 447.83 crore), Tirupati (Rs 363.71 crore), Khajuraho (Rs 355.53 crore), Imphal (Rs 355.19 crore). Airports closed for operations The airports which have become non-operational are Donakonda, Daparizo, Jogbani, Muzaffarpur, Raxaul, Deesa, Chakulia, Dhalbhumgarh, Khandwa, Panna, Shella, Aizawl, Thanjavur, Vellore, Nadirgul, Warangal, Kailashahar, Kamalpur, Khowai, Asansol, Balurghat and Malda. Mohol also said the Regional Connectivity Scheme Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) was launched on October 21, 2016, to boost regional air connectivity from unserved and underserved airports in the country. The scheme provides Viability Gap Funding to airlines to bridge the gap between operational costs and expected revenues. The budget allocated for the RCS-UDAN for the financial year 2025-2026 is Rs 300 crore, the minister said. This provided financial incentives and concessions to the airlines from the Central and state governments, Union territories and airport operators to lower operational costs and thus promote their operations, he added. A total of 92 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and two water aerodromes have been operationalised under the scheme, he pointed out.
I Am Alive, But My Son Killed Me': 90-Year-Old Man Knocks On DM's Door In Bihar
A Muzaffarpur man was declared dead on paper by his own son so he could sell his land. The nonagenarian has demanded cancellation of land registration, and legal action against son
Pratyaya Amrit appointed as new Chief Secretary of election-bound Bihar
PATNA: A senior IAS officer Pratyaya Amrit has been appointed new chief secretary of Bihar. The 1991-batch officer from Bihar is currently holding the post of development commissioner. Pratyaya Amrit will replace Amrit Lal Meena, who is scheduled to retire from service on August 31. He will assume charge on September 1. Pratyaya has been posted as officer on special duty (OSD) in the office of chief secretary upto superannuation of Meena. A notification with regard to appointment of Pratyaya as new chief secretary was issued by general administration department on Monday. As per notification, Meena (1989 batch IAS officer) will retire on August 31, 2025. Pratyaya, a native of Muzaffarpur in north Bihar, is currently holding additional charge of additional chief secretary of health and disaster management department. He is considered close to chief minister Nitish Kumar. With appointment of Pratyaya Amrit as chief secretary, it is evident that assembly elections in the state would be held under his supervision.
Criminals evade arrest in Muzaffarpur LPG agency shooting
Rivers in spate in Bihar after heavy rain, CM directs officials to remain alert
PATNA: The water levels in several rivers in Bihar have risen due to heavy rain in the last 24 hours, officials said on Sunday. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar directed all officials concerned to remain alert. According to the latest district-wise rainfall bulletin issued by the Meteorological Department on Sunday, Light to moderate rain was recorded in many districts, including Patna, Banka, Muzaffarpur, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Gayaji, Jehanabad, Kaimur, Katihar, Khagaria, Munger, Nalanda and Vaishali since August 2. Several key roads and many low-lying areas in Patna were waterlogged following incessant rain in the state capital on Sunday. The Meteorological Department issued an 'orange' alert (be prepared) for several districts, including Patna, Gayaji, Jamui, Aurangabad, Khagaria, Banka, Vaishali, Samastipur, Seikhpura, Lakhisarai, East Champaran, Arwal, West Champaran and Nawada for the next 48 hours. Officials of the state Water Resources Department (WRD) said that incessant rain in several districts has caused rivers and streams to overflow. The increased inflow also caused the water level in many dams to rise, they said. Besides, incessant rainfall in catchment areas of Nepal has also led to the rivers touching or flowing above the danger level in several places, they added. No causality has been reported so far, and in certain areas in East and West Champaran, Bhagalpur and Patna districts, villagers of low-lying areas have been shifted to safer places by the district administration. Owing to moderate to heavy rain in certain areas in the state, major rivers, including Ganga, Kosi, Sone, Bagmati, Gandak, Kamla, and Adahrwa, are maintaining a rising trend in their courses in the past couple of days, the latest report of the WRD said. Ganga is flowing above the danger level in Bhagalpur, and at Gandhi Ghat and Hathidah in Patna, Burhi Gandak in East Champaran, and Kosi in Supaul and Khagaria, it added. Almost all rivers are maintaining a rising trend throughout their courses, engulfing low-lying localities along their courses. However, all embankments are safe, a senior WRD official said. Meanwhile, the chief minister on Sunday inspected the State Emergency Operations Centre of the Disaster Management Department (DMD). According to a statement issued by the DMD, During the inspection, the CM reviewed the rainfall situation in the state, water levels of rivers, and the status of crop coverage. Bihar Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the DMD, Pratyaya Amrit, briefed the CM about the rainfall situation in the state. The CM directed all officials concerned to remain alert, it added. From June 1 to August 3 this year, the state recorded 409 mm of rainfall, which is 22 per cent less than normal. The ACS also mentioned that the state received good rainfall in the past 24 hours, with 25 mm or more rainfall recorded in 222 blocks across the state, the statement said. Regarding the current water levels of rivers in the state, the ACS said that the water levels in the Ganga, Kosi, and Burhi Gandak and some other rivers have risen, but the situation is currently under control. Providing details on crop coverage, he stated that as of August 3, paddy crop coverage in the state stands at 79.43 percent, whereas it was 67.38 percent during the same period last year. It is expected that 100 per cent coverage will be achieved by August 15 under normal circumstances, the statement added.
Shopowner found dead in Muzaffarpur, family alleges murder
Muzaffarpur-Sabarmati express derails near Kanpur, none hurt
Restoration work has been initiated immediately, officials said.
Muzaffarpur-Sabarmati Jan Sadharan express derails near Bhaupur Station, all passengers safe
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar unveils projects worth 574 crore in Muzaffarpur
Projects include road over bridges and road widening works; Mr. Kumar interacted with social security pensioners in which beneficiaries thanked him for increasing the pension amount from 400 to 1,100 per month
Two arrested for raping Dalit girl in Bihar
MUZAFFPUR: A Dalit girl has been allegedly raped in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar by a mobile repair shop owner and his staffer, both of whom have been arrested, police said on Monday. According to a statement issued by the district police, the girl had been missing since Saturday after she had gone out of her home in Aurai police station area to get her phone repaired. When she did not return, her father lodged a complaint at Aurai police station on Sunday, claiming that he suspected abduction of the girl. Following an intensive search by police, the girl was found unconscious at some distance from the village, where she was dumped by the alleged perpetrators, who had also hit her on the head with a rod. The girl has been admitted to the SKMCH hospital in Muzaffarpur town for medical tests and treatment, while the mobile shop owner and his associate have been caught and booked under sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Meanwhile, a delegation of the Congress' Bihar unit, led by state president Rajesh Kumar, visited SKMCH hospital to take stock of the condition of the girl, who has received a serious head injury. Speaking to reporters, the BPCC president said, The girl started getting proper medical attention only upon intervention, in the matter, of the district Congress. The shameful incident is yet another proof that lawlessness prevails in Bihar. The guilty must be given exemplary punishment, the Congress leader said.
In a dramatic incident caught on camera on the Bhagalpur-Muzaffarpur Janseva Intercity Express near Bihar's Munger, a thief, after stealing a mobile phone from a passenger, clung to the footboard of the moving train and later jumped off while it was crossing a bridge.
Scrap dealer shot dead outside his shop in Bihar's Muzaffarpur
MUZAFFARPUR: A scrap dealer was shot dead by unidentified miscreants in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district, police said on Thursday. The scrap dealer identified as Mohammad Gulab was shot dead outside his shop in Majhaulia area of Muzaffarpur district on Wednesday late evening, the police said. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Town-II, Vinita Sinha, told reporters, Police received information that a scrap dealer was shot at by some unidentified miscreants outside his shop on Wednesday late evening. Police immediately reached the spot and took the victim, with bullet wounds, to the nearest hospital where he was declared brought dead. Now, the body has been sent for the post-mortem examination. A case has been registered and a manhunt has been launched to nab the accused. Prima facie, some land dispute suspected to be the reason behind the incident, the SDPO said, adding further investigation is on. As the news of Gulab's death spread, his relatives, along with a large group of locals, went on a rampage. Family members of the deceased took the body to National Highway-28 and blocked the movement of traffic and also set two vehicles parked outside the suspect's house on fire, a local police officer said. Additional security personnel were engaged to bring the situation under control. Senior officials reached the spot and got the NH cleared for the movement of vehicles.
Bihar SIR | BLOs in a fix over voter apathy
PATNA: Electors are finding excuses to delay the submission of filled enumeration forms (EFs) in the ongoing SIR exercise in Bihar, a ground zero investigation reveals. The excuses range from lack of time to awaiting required information. Come next day, we are busy with some other important work, is the common refrain. The delay is taking a toll on most Booth Level Officers (BLOs). BLOs complain that they find it difficult to submit filled EFs to the respective offices for upload on the app. We have to visit a house twice or thrice to collect filled EFs. People blame BLOs for delay in distributing EFs, but they often fail to admit to their own faults. After all, we have to report to our seniors/supervisors every day, said a visibly upset Dinesh Paswan, a BLO in Vaishali district. Paswan, a teacher in a government middle school under Patepur assembly constituency, was seen virtually begging the electors to return filled EFs. My job will be in danger if you fail to return filled EFs before the deadline, i.e., July 25. We have to collect forms from so many people, the BLO was heard telling electors. Bihar SIR exercise: Nepali, Bangladeshi nationals found with Indian documents He said filled EFs were submitted to the supervisors office at Panchayat Bhawan, Raj Davaichh, where computer operators uploaded them on the App. The dillydallying attitude of electors is not solely to blame. At some places, BLOs complained that the slow internet speed also delays the uploading process. I have been issued a show cause notice for slow progress in uploading EFs, said a BLO under Patepur assembly in Vaishali. An official under Baruraj assembly constituency in Muzaffarpur district said some people were exerting pressure to include names of those staying outside the state without providing their ID proof. Ambiguous EC diktat BLOs in Begusarai, Patna, Bhojpur and Jehanabad pointed out a remarkable shift in ECs orders. Earlier, we were told to collect enumeration forms with required documents. But now we take Aadhaar numbers, date of birth and signatures, they said. As per EC, SIR requires 11 documents, including proof of citizenship. Aadhaar is not included in the list. Inside the SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar: Process, concerns and political fallout
Bihar: Delay in enumeration forms raises fear of being left out of voter list
PATNA: Narendra Kumar, a resident of Muzaffarpur in north Bihar, is making frequent calls to his brother to ascertain whether the enumeration forms have reached home for verification. Currently in Pune for the treatment of his ailing mother, Narendra is worried as a simple mistake may lead to the deletion of his name from the voters list. The 23-year-old said that his name was included in the electoral rolls before the 2020 Assembly elections. I exercised my franchise for the first time during the last Assembly polls. If my name gets deleted, I will never forgive myself for the lapses not on my part but for others slackness, he told this reporter over the phone. INTERVIEW | Special rolls revision couldve begun earlier : OP Rawat He said, despite his frantic attempts, he could not connect with the Booth Level Officer (BLO) I will return to Muzaffarpur on July 27, two days after the last date of submission of the forms, he said, adding that he is at the BLOs mercy. Narendras family resides at Kanhaili under the Musahari block. His wife, Sabita, who works in a public school, said that the enumeration forms have been provided to some of the residents of the same locality. But the BLO did not visit us for the reason known to him, she said. Rambabu Prasad, a resident of Runnisaidpur in Sitamarhi district, said that only three forms have been provided by the BLO against seven voters in the family. I requested to the BLO to provide remaining enumeration forms. He promised to do so the next day, but has not turned up even after a week, he remarked. Nationwide SIR aims to snatch voting rights of those who won't vote BJP: Opposition People have submitted their enumeration forms without documents. This has led to confusion among voters, he added. While the EC has repeatedly stressed that enumeration forms should be submitted with required documents, the personnel in the field have not asked for documents. Who is correct? The EC or the personnel on the field? After all, we have to follow the diktats of personnel on field, he said. Om Prakash Sinha, a builder-cum-developer, who resides in AG Colony under Digha assembly constituency in Patna, said that they received the enumeration forms. Still the person concerned has not yet turned up to collect filled-up forms. We are waiting for him to collect the forms, he said. These people are not alone. Scores of residents in Patna and other districts are also still waiting for the enumeration forms. Rajbaallabh Prasad Sinha, a resident of Sandalpur under Kumhrar Assembly constituency in Patna, said that he has been waiting for the enumeration form. It is not ECs job to issue citizenship certificate: Former Election Commissioner Lavasa on Bihar poll roll revision Meanwhile, the EC claimed that 6,60,67,208 out of the 7,89,69,844 electors have already received the enumeration forms, which is about 83.66%. Till date, 1.59% electors have been found dead and 0.73% of them have registered their names at more than one place. Similarly, 88.18% of electors have either submitted their enumeration forms or have died or shifted to other places permanently. It means only 11.82% electors are left to fill up forms and submit them, the EC said. Till date (July 14, 2025), around 5.74 crore enumeration forms out of 7,89,69,844 electors have been uploaded, while 11 days are still left. BDO in Bihar resigns over harassment by senior Bihar public service officer Hariom Sharan posted as Block Development Officer (BDO) of Barsoi block in Katihar district has submitted a resignation letter to the district magistrate, Manesh Kumar Meena, accusing Sub Divisional Officer Dixit Shwetam of mentally harassing him amid the special intensive revision of the electoral rolls. Election Commission activates poll machinery for pan-India revision of electoral rolls from next month
As Bihar heads to polls, crime wave fuels law and order concerns
PATNA: Back-to-back killings targeting businessmen, politicians, lawyers, teachers and ordinary citizens have raised serious concerns about Bihar's law and order, with police blaming the surge on the widespread availability of illegal firearms and ammunition. Over the past 10 days, a string of killings including those of businessman Gopal Khemka, BJP leader Surendra Kumar, a 60-year-old woman, a shopkeeper, a lawyer, and a teacher has rocked the poll-bound state. According to the latest State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) data, the state recorded 1,376 murders with an average of 229 each month between January and June, compared to 2,786 in all of 2024 and 2,863 in 2023. According to senior police officers, proliferation of firearms, which are illegally manufactured or procured without a valid license, coupled with unchecked availability of ammunition, have contributed to the recent spurt in violent crimes. Bihar has consistently ranked among the top-five states in terms of violent crimes, including those involving firearms, according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) figures. The state has held second position in violent crime rate in 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2022, NCRB data said. NDA turned Bihar into 'India's crime capital': Rahul slams Nitish, BJP over murder of Patna businessman Talking to PTI, DGP Vinay Kumar, said, Land disputes and property matters are the main reasons behind most of the killings. In such cases, role of police is limited and it starts after the crime takes place. Our force has achieved 100 per cent detection rate. The DGP, however, claimed that organised crime has come down compared to last year. Proliferation of firearms, illegally manufactured or procured without valid licenses, coupled with unchecked availability of ammunition are issues which are being looked into by the authorities, he said. A state with such a large population, having over 60 per cent population under the age of 30 and unemployed, is bound to be vulnerable to law and order problems, Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) Kundan Krishnan said. To check violent crimes, there is a need to plug the gaps in the existing system and standardise the process of issuing arms licenses, Krishnan, who is also the ADG of the Special Task Force (STF) of Bihar Police, told PTI. According to the National Database of Arms Licenses-Arms License Issuance System (NDAL-ALIS) portal (Ministry of Home Affairs), Bihar has 82,326 firearms holders and 77,479 active arms licences. Out of 141 licensed arms dealers in the state, only 114 are operational, while 27 have been found inoperative. This poses a serious threat of misuse. We have brought the matter to the notice of the authorities concerned. Licenses of such dealers must be suspended, Krishnan said. An analysis of district-wise firearm licences in relation to population reveals that Bhojpur has the highest density, with 205 firearms and 196 licensees per lakh population, surpassing Patna, which has 161 firearms and 156 licences per lakh. SCRB data further shows Patna as the leading district in Arms Act cases, averaging 321.7 cases annually, followed by Begusarai (167.7), Muzaffarpur (158.3), Nalanda (117.9), and Vaishali (117.8). In the last 10 years, the number of recovered country-made firearms has more than doubled from 2,356 in 2015 to 4,981 in 2024, it said. A correlation between arms Act cases and violent crimes shows Patna again topping the list, averaging 82 violent incidents annually, followed by Motihari (49.53), Saran (44.08), Gaya (43.50), Muzaffarpur (39.93), and Vaishali (37.90).Most violent crimes in the state involve the use of firearms. However, ammunition used in these crimes are manufactured by licensed industrial units. Therefore, the identity of the 25 inoperative arms dealers out of 138 listed in the state can be exploited by criminals to illegally procure arms/ammunition, the ADG added. Talking to PTI , Jitendra Rana, Inspector General (IG) of central range (Patna), said, It is not true to say that gun-related violence has increased in Patna. Yes, it is true that some sensational murder cases have taken place. But, the accused have also been arrested in those cases and arms and ammunition were also recovered. Commenting on the surge in violent cases, Abhayanand, former DGP, told PTI, I must say that the existing criminal justice system is not able to match up to the crime. The legislature must make laws to give more power to police to check such crimes effectively. Reacting to surge in crimes, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav in a post on X said, If the crumbling law and order and rampant corruption in Bihar aren't making anyone angry in the state, then we must say that the person's sense of justice and human compassion has died. Ignoring the government's failures and public sentiments in the name of caste and religion is disastrous for Bihar and the people of the state. Under the NDA's rule, 65,000 murders have taken place so far !!! Does the unconscious Chief Minister dare to make a statement on any such incident?. ! #Crime #Bihar #NDA #Corruption Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) July 10, 2025 Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha recently told reporters that, Increasing criminal incidents involve the sand mafia, land mafia and liquor mafia. These mafias are linked to the RJD. RJD members want to spread anarchy in Bihar before the elections.
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.
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
2 IAF Personnel Drown In Lake As Heavy Rains Batter Uttarakhand
Prince Yadav (22) from Pathankot, Punjab and Sahil Kumar (23) from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, were part of a group of eight IAF personnel, including four women, vacationing in Nainital.
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.
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.
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.
Cant give bike? Donate kidney: Bihar woman faces dowry demand from in-laws
PATNA: In a bizarre incident, a couple in Bihars Muzaffarpur district asked their daughter-in-law to donate her kidney to her ailing husband since she failed to get a bike, cash and jewellery as dowry. The woman, Dipti, filed a complaint with the Womens police station in Muzaffarpur regarding her situation. Narrating her ordeal, the woman stated that she was married in 2021, after which she moved to her in-laws house located within the Bochaha police station limits in Muzaffarpur. Previously, she lived in the Mithanpur police station area of the divisional headquarters town. After initial years of peace and harmony, her in-laws started tormenting her mentally and physically, forcing her to get a bike and cash from her parents house. When she failed to concede to their demands, her in-laws allegedly started coercing her to donate one of her kidneys to her ailing husband. I came to know about my husbands kidney ailment after two years of my marriage, though he was suffering from it before marriage, she said. Initially, I took their demand casually, but later, they started exerting pressure on me. When I refused to oblige them, I was beaten black and blue and thrown out of the house, she said. Police attempted to broker peace between the two parties but failed. Dipti also insisted on getting a divorce from her husband, but he refused to part with her. Later, a case was registered at the district womens police station, naming four members of her in-laws family, including her husband, as accused. Vidyasagar, SP (Rural), Muzaffarpur, said that an investigation has been launched in this connection. The investigating officer has been asked to go into depth of the matter and unearth the truth, he told this reporter over the phone on Tuesday. In Bihar, the practice of dowry is banned. CM Nitish Kumar had earlier announced that he would not attend any wedding ceremony in which dowry has been demanded.
'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
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.
11-year-old girl gangraped, killed in Bihar; five arrested
PATNA: Plucking a mango from a nearby orchard proved costly for an 11-year-old girl who was gang raped and subsequently killed by five youths in Bihars Sitamarhi district, police said on Wednesday. The incident which tooj place on May 31, came to light on June 1 when the victims family lodged a formal complaint about the girl's disappearance of since the previous evening. Nanpur police station in Sitamarhi district registered a case and started investigation. Amit Ranjan, Superintendent of Police (SP), Sitamarhi said that a special investigation team (SIT) was formed under leadership of deputy SP, Pupri to solve the case. During investigation it came to light that five youths had an altercation with the girl over plucking a mango from an orchard. The youths brutally assaulted her, took her to a nearby under-construction building and raped her. During sexual assault, the girls condition deteriorated, and she died. Thereafter, the offenders hanged her body with the roof of the building to make it appear as a case of suicide. The accused identified as Satyam Kumar, Ranvir Kumar, Harshvardhan Kumar, Ajit Kumar and Ravi Kumar, all residents of Chatgaura under Nanpur police station limits were arrested. During interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime. SP Amit Ranjan said that the investigating officer of the case has been told to collect scientific evidence against the accused. Since all the accused have been arrested, we will recommend the case for speedy trial. Chargesheet will be filed in the case at the earliest, he added. The incident has sparked off tension at the village. Residents have demanded stern action against all the accused. The accused should be hanged, a close relative of the victim told local journalists at Sitamarhi sadar hospital where postmortem of the body was conducted. Spurt in rape cases in Bihar Bihar has witnessed a series of rape incidents in recent past. At least three incidents of sexual assault and murder were reported from Muzaffarpur district in the past one week alone. Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav visited Turki in Muzaffarpur to meet family members of one of the victims on Tuesday. A nine-year-old girl was raped and attacked with a knife by the accused at a village under Kudhani police station on May 26. The victim was admitted to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) from where she was referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Saturday. The victim had to wait for more than four hours in an ambulance as bed was not available in the PMCH. The victims uncle alleged that the delay in treatment led to her death on Sunday morning. The alleged hospital administrations apathy came under sharp criticism. On Tuesday, state health department removed deputy superintendent of PMCH Dr Abhijeet Singh and Dr Kumari Vibha, superintendent of SKMCH, for their negligence. Dr Kumari Vibha has been put under suspension. Meanwhile, state health minister Mangal Pandey said that a three-member committee has been constituted to look into the allegations of the rape victims family. Further action will be initiated on the basis of the report, Pandey told the media. The three-member committee comprising Dr. Aryan Choudhary, Dr.B K Singh and Dr. Pramod Kumar have been asked to submit their report at the earliest. The team will investigate events both at SKMCH, Muzaffarpur and PMCH in the state capital.
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
10 things to know about the Muzaffarpur rape case that shook Bihar
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 .
Bihar Dalit Girl Dies After Rape, Knife Attack. Waited 5 Hours For A Bed
A nine-year-old Dalit girl in Bihar's Muzaffarpur was raped and the attacker slit her throat and fled. The minor was later found, bloodied and semi-naked, by her mother. She was rushed to the nearest hospital and then referred to Patna
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.
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 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.
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.
Haryana police arrest man accused of sexually assaulting air hostess in Gurugram hospital ICU
CHANDIGARH: Haryana Police arrested a 25-year-old Bihar man who allegedly sexually assaulted a 46-year-old air hostess, while she was on a ventilator support in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. The accused, Deepak, is a native of Badhauli village in Muzaffarpur district in Bihar and was working as a technician in Medanta Hospital for the last five months. He was identified and arrested after examining the footage from 800 CCTV cameras, interrogating the hospital staff and investigating various facts. In the preliminary interrogation the alleged accused told the police that he is unmarried and addicted to watching porn videos. After doing B.Sc OTT (Bachelor of Science in Operation Theatre Technology) from SGT University, he joined Medanta Hospital. The 46-year-old air hostess had said that two nurses were present in the room but did nothing to stop the incident. On April 5, she was admitted to the hospital and was later discharged on April 13 (Sunday). After being discharged from the hospital, the air hostess told her husband about the incident and lodged a complaint with the police. A case was registered under section 64 (rape), 68 (sexual intercourse by a person in authority) of the BNS at Sadar Police station. In her complaint, she stated that on April 6, she was on a ventilator when some hospital staff sexually assaulted her. It is learnt that she was admitted to the Ayushman Hospital after a near-drowning at the five-star hotel where she was staying on the morning of April 5. Later that night she was shifted to Medanta, where she was placed on ventilator support. The victim had stated she was unable to defend herself due to her compromised physical condition and claimed that two nurses witnessed the incident but failed to intervene. On Thursday, Gurugram Police Commissioner, Vikas Kumar Arora, had formed a special investigation team (SIT) led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) Dr Arpit Jain, and the SIT arrested the accused today. Dr Arpit Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) and head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) said, The SIT was formed into the matter yesterday, and the SIT visited the hospital. More than 50 employees of the hospital and some doctors were questioned and more than 800 CCTV were examined. After multiple analyses on a micro level, with the help of human and technical intelligence, we finally identified the accused and arrested him today from the Sadar police station area. The accused confessed to the crime. The spokesperson of Gurugram police said that the accused will be produced before the court tomorrow for further action by the police team. A further probe is underway. In a statement, the hospital stated, We have been informed that the police have identified a suspect who has been taken into custody in connection with the ongoing investigation concerning allegations of sexual assault on a patient. On the basis of information provided to us by the police, we have suspended the suspect employee.
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
