In a disturbing incident, 20 to 25 houses were set on fire by unidentified assailants in the Krishnanagar area of Nawada, Bihar. According to Sunil Kumar, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Sadar Nawada, initial investigations indicate that a land dispute may have sparked the violence. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported.
“On September 18, 2024, we received information about several homes being burned in Krishnanagar, within the Mufassil police station jurisdiction. Upon arrival, we found that approximately 20-25 houses had been set ablaze. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties so far. Initial findings suggest property disputes as the likely cause. An investigation is underway, and some individuals have been detained. Those responsible for this incident will face strict consequences,” SDPO Sunil Kumar stated while speaking to ANI.
Reacting to the incident, Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati urged the Centre to assist the victims. “The burning of homes belonging to poor Dalits in Nawada is extremely tragic and serious. The government must take strict legal action against the perpetrators and provide full financial support for the victims’ rehabilitation,” she wrote in a post on X.
Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticized the NDA government for its treatment of Dalits, declaring that the state is under “Jungle Raj.” “More than 100 Dalit homes were set on fire in Nawada. Bihar is ablaze under the rule of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is indifferent, while NDA allies are oblivious! The poor suffer and die—what do they care? Atrocities against Dalits will not be tolerated,” Yadav posted on X.
Condemning the violence, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge targeted the NDA’s governance in Bihar, expressing concern for Dalit safety. “It is utterly condemnable that around 100 Dalit houses were set ablaze, with families losing everything in the darkness of the night. The BJP and its allies’ disregard for Dalits and the marginalized, along with their neglect of anti-social elements, has reached a peak. Prime Minister Modi remains silent as usual, while Nitish is indifferent in his quest for power, and NDA allies are speechless,” Kharge stated on X.