In a disturbing incident, over 20 houses in a Dalit settlement were set ablaze in Nawada district, allegedly due to a land dispute. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with opposition leaders condemning the ruling NDA government for failing to protect marginalized communities, reported India Today.
Initially, reports suggested that around 80 houses were gutted in the fire, but Bihar police have since confirmed that 21 homes were affected. A large police contingent has been deployed in the area to prevent further violence, and authorities have arrested 15 individuals, including the prime suspect. However, police have denied reports of aerial firing during the attack, stating that no shell casings were found.
According to villagers, the miscreants not only set the houses on fire but also physically assaulted several Dalit families. The attack has intensified political tensions, with Congress and RJD leaders accusing the ruling JD(U)-BJP government of fostering an environment of lawlessness.
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Opposition, criticized the NDA government, accusing it of harboring anarchic elements and displaying “utter indifference” towards Dalits.
“Burning down an entire colony of Mahadalits in Nawada highlights the horrifying picture of injustice against Bahujans in Bihar,” Gandhi tweeted. He further condemned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a “seal of approval” on the suppression of marginalized communities.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati also expressed her outrage, demanding strict legal action against the culprits. She urged the Bihar government to ensure the victims’ rehabilitation, stating, “The burning of houses of poor Dalits by goons is extremely sad and serious.”
Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), echoed these sentiments, demanding that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar break his silence on the increasing atrocities against Dalits.
“The Chief Minister has stopped speaking for months… the NDA is not concerned about Bihar but about criminals,” Yadav said.
In response to the incident, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held a high-level meeting with senior officials, directing the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) to visit the site and personally oversee the investigation. The government has also formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident thoroughly, promising that strict action will be taken against those responsible.
As Bihar reels from the shock of this attack, the incident has become a flashpoint in the ongoing political battle between the ruling NDA and the Opposition, with both sides accusing each other of negligence and failure to maintain law and order in the state.
With a heavy police presence in the area and investigations ongoing, the situation remains tense. The Bihar government has assured the public that no one involved in the incident will be spared, as the affected Dalit families await justice and rehabilitation.
