Nawada Firing Case: Who is Land Mafia Nandu Paswan, Whose Orders Led to the Destruction of 80 Dalit Families' Homes?
In a shocking incident in Nawada, Bihar, a group of approximately 100 assailants targeted Dalit families, burning down 80 homes and leaving many families homeless. The attack, which involved heavy gunfire, has raised serious concerns about safety and security in the region. Police have arrested 10 individuals, including the main accused, Nandu Paswan, who is identified as a land mafia figure in the area.
The incident occurred in Krishna Nagar village, also known as Manjhi Tola, where land disputes have escalated tensions. Local authorities reported that the attackers claimed the land belonged to them, despite it actually being government property. Investigations are ongoing to assess the situation and determine further actions.
Eyewitnesses state that the assailants had long set their sights on this riverside settlement. Residents recalled a similar incident in November 2023, where gunfire was reported, but police failed to take action despite a filed FIR.
Appeals for Government Assistance
The residents of Manjhi Tola, who primarily rely on manual labor to support their families, are now in dire need of assistance following the destruction of their homes. They are calling on the government for help and support in this crisis. Among those affected are families such as Gorelal, Jhapasi Manjhi, Sanjay Manjhi, Nityan Manjhi, Ramchandra Manjhi, and many others.
Political Reactions and Promises of Action
The incident has sparked a political backlash, with opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav criticizing the ruling government, stating, "In the regime of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar, Bihar is engulfed in flames. Dalit oppression will not be tolerated."
In response, Janak Ram, the Minister for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, condemned the violence and promised that the government would take stringent action against the perpetrators. He emphasized that under the NDA government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the safety of marginalized communities is a priority and that any form of oppression would not be tolerated.
The unfolding situation in Nawada raises critical questions about the safety and rights of Dalit communities in Bihar, and authorities are under pressure to respond effectively to prevent further violence.
