In Bihar, the mere mention of acid attacks evokes fear, especially because of two unforgettable cases—one in Bhagalpur and the other in Siwan. While the Bhagalpur eye-gouging horror will be covered in the next episode of ‘Bihar Ke Mahakand’, today’s focus is on the brutal and politically charged Siwan acid attack—a case that exposed the dark nexus of crime and power.
A Ransom Demand That Turned Into Horror
The horrific incident occurred on August 16, 2004, in Siwan district. Chandbabu, a local businessman, had two shops—one below his residence and another near the bus stand. That day, while Chandbabu was in Patna, a group of men showed up at his house and demanded ₹2 lakh from his sons.
When the sons told them they had no money and would speak once their father returned, the confrontation turned violent. The attackers forcibly abducted Rajiv and Girish, Chandbabu’s two sons, from the house. Later, they took his third son, Satish, from the other shop.
‘They Were Shahabuddin’s Men’: Chandbabu’s Allegation
Chandbabu has consistently alleged that the assailants were henchmen of Mohammad Shahabuddin, a powerful leader from Siwan. “Shahabuddin called my house and demanded ransom again,” he claimed in multiple television interviews.
According to Chandbabu, his sons were taken to Pratappur, Shahabuddin’s village, where the violence escalated. The attackers poured acid on the kidnapped boys—permanently disfiguring and severely injuring them.
In a chilling detail, Chandbabu recalled: “Shahabuddin and Awadh Bihari Chaudhary (then a minister in the Bihar government) had once come to inaugurate a shop below our house. Since then, Shahabuddin had his eyes on us. For that, he kidnapped my sons and killed them.”
The Aftermath: Pain, Trials, and Political Shadows
The case not only left the victims and their families shattered but also raised serious questions about the complicity of political figures. The incident became symbolic of Siwan’s lawlessness during that era, dominated by fear and power plays.
Court proceedings stretched over years, with several delays, witness tampering allegations, and political interference. Despite widespread outrage, the victims and their families are still awaiting justice in full measure.
