Nawada News: Krishna Nagar, a Dalit colony in the Dedoor Panchayat of Nawada, Bihar, was gobbled by a raging fire. This incident that occurred early this Thursday morning has villagers venturing about life with great caution, while the community is in shock and fear. The aftermath of the fire was diabolical where the charred remains of homes and livestock painted an unpalatable picture of destruction. It claimed more than two dozen cattle and completely burnt down homes of over 80 families, leaving the residents in a state of fear and despair.
Authorities on the Ground
The police and authorities are persistently staying in the village assessing the damage and working on relief measures in response to the incident. The initial investigation about the cause of the fire discovered that it was set on fire deliberately, while the allegations pointed to a group from a neighboring village. Thus, 11 people have been arrested and one kiosk recovered from the area. Searches are being undertaken and temporary food and shelter are being provided to the victims in whose houses and belongings there was fire.
Reaction by Rahul Gandhi
Political leaders were dragged into this act and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his anger and sorrow at the incident on social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). Rahul Gandhi pointed out that the Mahadalit families who lost homes in the fire were suffering badly as the administration of Bihar government had failed to act in time. Rahul Gandhi alleged that the state government under BJP and NDA alliance leadership creates a situation under which Dalits and other downtrodden sections get attacked.
Rahul Gandhi wrote, “Burning down the entire colony of Mahadalits in Nawada and destroying the houses of more than 80 families is exposing the horrifying picture of injustice against the Bahujans in Bihar. The cries of these Dalit families who have lost their homes and property and the terror created in the deprived society by the echo of the fierce firing could not succeed in waking up the sleeping government of Bihar.”.
He further added, “Such anarchist elements find refuge under the leadership of BJP and NDA allies – they intimidate and suppress the Bahujans of India, so that they cannot even demand their social and constitutional rights. And, the Prime Minister’s silence is a stamp of approval on this big conspiracy. The Bihar government and the state police must take immediate and strict action against all the culprits of this shameful crime, and provide complete justice to the victim families by rehabilitating them.”
Land Dispute and Continuing Tension
The case of the fire is said to be related to a long-standing dispute over a stretch of land. The Dalit families had been living on government land for many years in Krishna Nagar, but the neighboring village led by Muni Paswan has been claiming ownership over the land. The land dispute has been running in court for quite some time, and tensions have been building up in the area. The violent incident which included reports of firing further fueled this combustible situation.
The District Magistrate Ashutosh Kumar Verma said that 21 houses were burnt in the fire and Superintendent of Police Abhinav Dhiman said that during the preliminary investigation, 10 people were arrested. The officials from both sides claim that the government is in control and will take legal action against the perpetrators.
Government Action
Not only the Rajasthan government but also the Bihar government came under criticism, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at the helm. A statement issued by State Minister Janak Chamar referred to it as a “very sad incident.” He promised measures against the perpetrators and said that the government of Bihar will take measures to ensure the security and safety of Dalits within Bihar and will take legal steps to redress the situation. Chamar further said, “Nitish Kumar’s government has been working to protect Dalits in Bihar; no effort will be spared in getting justice for the victims of this tragic event.”.