In a disturbing incident in Nawada district, Bihar, over 20 Dalit homes were set on fire, allegedly due to a land dispute. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday night, has sparked intense criticism from opposition parties and prompted a significant police response.
Police reports confirm that 21 houses were destroyed, contrary to earlier estimates of over 80. A large police presence has been established in the area to prevent further unrest. Authorities have arrested 15 individuals, including the prime suspect, in connection with the incident.
According to villagers, the assailants targeted their settlement, physically assaulting several Dalit families before setting their homes ablaze and allegedly firing shots into the air. However, Superintendent of Police Abhinav Dhiman has refuted claims of aerial firing, stating that no shells were recovered and no injuries were reported.
In response to the incident, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar convened a meeting with senior officials and directed the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) to oversee the investigation personally. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to further probe the matter, with the government pledging stringent action against those responsible.
Opposition Leaders Condemn the Incident
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, harshly criticized the JD(U)-BJP government, labeling the incident as a stark example of the administration’s “utter indifference” towards Dalits. Gandhi took to Twitter to express his outrage, stating, “Burning down an entire colony of Mahadalits in Nawada highlights the horrifying picture of injustice against the Bahujans in Bihar.”
He accused the BJP and its NDA allies of sheltering “anarchist elements” that suppress Dalit rights, adding that Prime Minister Modi’s silence implied approval of the situation.
BSP chief Mayawati also condemned the violence, demanding that the Bihar government take decisive action against the perpetrators and provide financial support for the rehabilitation of the victims. “The burning down of many houses of poor Dalits in Nawada is extremely sad and serious. The government should ensure strict legal action and full financial assistance for the rehabilitation of the victims,” Mayawati tweeted.
Tejashwi Yadav, former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader, criticized Chief Minister Kumar for his lack of response, accusing him of being silent on the issue. “The Chief Minister of Bihar has been silent for months… The NDA is more concerned with criminals than with the people of Bihar,” Yadav said.