Nawada: In a strong response to the violent arson incident that devastated numerous homes in Nawada on Wednesday evening, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has unequivocally condemned the attacks and assured immediate and stringent action against the perpetrators.
The tragic events unfolded on the evening of September 18 in Manjhi Tola, within the Muffasil police station area, where miscreants set fire to 34 houses in Krishnanagar village. The fire, which engulfed both completed and partially finished homes, is believed to have stemmed from a long-standing land dispute dating back to 1995.
Upon receiving reports of the incident, the Nawada district police responded swiftly, reaching the site within 15 to 20 minutes. With the assistance of the fire brigade, the flames were soon brought under control. District Magistrate Ashutosh Kumar Verma and Superintendent of Police swiftly arrived to manage the situation and initiate an investigation.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) to personally oversee the investigation and ensure that all accused are apprehended without delay. Sources from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) revealed that a special team has been formed to intensify efforts in capturing those responsible. To date, 15 individuals, including the prime accused Nandu Paswan, have been arrested from Nawada and neighbouring Nalanda districts. Authorities have also seized three country-made pistols and other contraband items during overnight raids.
The investigation has uncovered that the majority of the houses targeted belonged to members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) communities. Consequently, the case has been registered under the Arms Act and relevant sections of the SC and ST Acts. Initial reports suggest that the assailants may have fired bullets into the air before setting the houses ablaze. Despite rumours, the District Magistrate has denied any reports of cattle being harmed, stating that no evidence supports such claims.
In the aftermath of the attacks, relief efforts are underway to support the displaced families. Temporary shelters have been established, and essential supplies, including food packets and drinking water, are being distributed to those affected. The Chief Minister has emphasised the importance of maintaining law and order, instructing district magistrates and superintendents of police across Bihar to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing further incidents.
Senior CMO officials highlighted that Chief Minister Kumar has made it clear that vigilant efforts will be made to ensure that individuals who take the law into their own hands face appropriate punishment. “Any form of vigilantism will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be brought to justice swiftly,” a senior official stated.
As investigations continue, the people of Nawada are hopeful that the swift actions taken by the state government will restore peace and security to the region, ensuring that such heinous acts do not recur.