Patna, December 15th 2024, Vikas Kumar Ojha: Bihar finds itself in the grip of a severe law and order crisis, as a wave of violent crimes leaves communities reeling in fear and frustration. The week’s grim events include:
- Bettiah: A 19-year-old was chased for nearly a kilometer and brutally murdered, marking the district’s third killing in seven days.
- Siwan: Two youths were beaten to death inside a house, sparking tension in the locality.
- Begusarai: A young man was shot dead in broad daylight, leaving the community shocked and questioning law enforcement’s efficacy.
- Katihar: A woman was shot dead in her home in Kursela, and a man was brutally attacked and robbed while returning from work.
Despite police assurances, the growing sense of insecurity raises pressing questions about the efficacy of crime control measures in the state. From Bettiah to Katihar, these incidents highlight an alarming escalation of criminal activities, with public confidence in law enforcement eroding rapidly.
Bettiah: A Third Murder in a Week Shocks the District
In a chilling incident, 19-year-old Saurabh Kumar was chased through the streets for nearly a kilometer before being stabbed multiple times and having his throat slit. The crime, which unfolded near Haribatika Chowk, occurred in full public view, leaving the community horrified and demanding answers.
This murder is the third in Bettiah within a single week, sparking outrage among locals. Residents blame the absence of routine night patrols for emboldening criminals to commit such heinous acts without fear of intervention. “Where were the police when the killers spent nearly 30 minutes chasing and attacking Saurabh? Had there been even a semblance of police presence, this brutal act could have been prevented,” a resident questioned angrily.
Siwan: Two Young Men Beaten to Death
The discovery of two lifeless bodies in a single house in Siwan’s Makhdoom Sarai locality has sent shockwaves through the region. The victims, identified as Syed and Fakira, were allegedly beaten to death after entering the home of one Anwar Ali. While initial reports suggest the two may have been demanding a ransom, police have yet to confirm the motive.
The incident underscores the failure of preventive policing in Siwan, with the gruesome nature of the crime shaking the confidence of local residents. The lack of swift police action to address rising violence has left the community grappling with fear and uncertainty.
Begusarai: Broad-Daylight Murder Highlights Police Inefficiency
In Begusarai, Ravi Kumar was shot dead by armed assailants in broad daylight in the Mansurchak area. Ravi, a vehicle helper, was outside attending to routine work when the crime occurred near Kelabadi village. The brazenness of the act has shattered the sense of safety in the community, as residents question the police’s inability to prevent such blatant acts of violence.
“What is the use of the police if they cannot ensure safety even in broad daylight? These criminals act with impunity because they know there will be no immediate repercussions,” remarked a distraught local.
Katihar: A District Overrun by Crime
The situation in Katihar is particularly grim, with back-to-back violent incidents exposing glaring lapses in public safety:
- Robbery and Assault: Transport worker Ainul Haq was viciously attacked by robbers while returning home, leaving him with severe injuries to the face. Despite being critically injured, the police have made no significant progress in apprehending the attackers.
- Home Invasion and Murder: In a horrifying attack, armed criminals broke into the home of Lakshmi Devi in Kursela block and shot her dead in front of her family. Despite police assurances of action, the incident has left residents furious over the repeated failures of local law enforcement.
The cumulative effect of these crimes has left Katihar residents living in constant fear. “Every other day, we hear of a robbery, a murder, or a violent attack. The police only arrive after the damage is done. Where is the preventive action?” asked a visibly agitated resident of Katihar.
Public Outrage and Police Accountability
These incidents collectively reveal a troubling trend: the absence of proactive policing and a lack of accountability in the face of spiraling crime. Across districts, residents have consistently raised concerns about inadequate patrolling, delayed response times, and ineffective investigations.
The spike in crime also raises serious questions about the state government’s approach to law enforcement. Despite repeated assurances from authorities, there appears to be no cohesive strategy to curb the rising violence.
“How many more lives must be lost before the administration takes crime control seriously?” asked a local leader from Bettiah. “It is evident that criminals have no fear of the law. This reflects a complete breakdown of law enforcement.”
Will Bihar Rise to the Challenge?
The recent spate of murders, robberies, and assaults paints a bleak picture of public safety in Bihar. As the state reels under the weight of escalating violence, the need for decisive action has never been more urgent. The question is: Will the government and law enforcement step up to restore safety, or will Bihar continue to be held hostage by crime?
The people of Bihar are watching—and waiting.
