New Delhi: The state of Bihar is shocked by two separate murders within 24 hours, sparking intense political criticism and highlighting a deteriorating law and order situation. The incidents have prompted widespread concern and accusations of governmental incompetence.
The first murder involved the killing of Chandan Mishra, a convicted gangster, inside Patna’s Paras Hospital. The incident was captured on video, showing five gunmen entering the hospital and fatally shooting Mishra, who was reportedly on parole for medical reasons. The graphic footage quickly went viral, shocking citizens and raising serious questions about security within a supposedly protected environment.
The second murder occurred in the Bahadurpur area, where a woman was fatally shot while returning home. Police responded swiftly, launching a manhunt and recovering three motorcycles believed to be linked to the crime. The victim’s identity has been confirmed as Beebi Devi, and an investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the attack. Speculation currently centres around potential land disputes or family feuds.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan has been particularly vocal in his criticism of the Nitish Kumar government’s response, calling the law and order situation “beyond comprehension.” He highlighted the frequency of murders and the apparent impunity enjoyed by criminals, emphasising the need for decisive action. Paswan’s comments reflect a growing sense of insecurity amongst the public.
The police, while conducting investigations and reporting some progress, have attempted to correlate the rise in crime in April, May, and June with a perceived lack of agricultural work for farmers during this time. However, the proximity of the Paras Hospital murder to the police headquarters (a mere 200 meters) casts doubt on the effectiveness of the existing policing strategy. The events have placed the Bihar government under intense scrutiny, with both opposition parties and those within the ruling coalition expressing concerns.
