Bihar Government accuses RJD men of torching Dalit homes in Tejashwi Prasad Yadav’s constituency

The burning of over a dozen homes and shop of Dalits by criminals in Bihar’s Vaishali district, triggered a political storm in Bihar, after deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi alleged that the criminals involved in the incident were men from the Yadav community having links with the Rashtriya Janata Dal.

The incident took place a few days ago in Raghopur, a VIP constituency which is presently represented by Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and formerly by his parents and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi and Lalu Prasad Yadav.

The victims alleged of a ‘casteist divide’ with the “Dalits being surrounded on all sides by Yadavs, who also hold important administrative posts in the area.” “Our people were thrashed. We are constantly afraid of them,” one of them said. Police sources said an old land dispute was the cause behind incident.

On Friday, deputy CM Modi said the police had lodged an FIR and was probing the matter. “I have talked to the police superintendent and have been informed that some strongmen having connections with the RJD were behind the criminal act. Strict action will be taken against the guilty and no one will be spared,” he said.

Former minister and Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader Ashok Choudhary also visited the village and took stock of the matter.

The incident has given the ruling alliance fresh ammo against the Opposition and leaders are questioning Tejashwi’s silence on the issue. “Why is there no tweet or comment on this matter? It only shows how opportunist they are,” said Union Minister Giriraj Singh.

However, the RJD has accused the deputy CM of making baseless comments over the incident.

“What happened in Raghopur is related to land dispute not caste dispute. But, our opponents are afraid of the Dalit+Yadav unity in Bihar. CM Nitish Kumar should speak on the matter first,” said Manoj Jha, RJD MP and spokesperson.

Congress MLC Prem Chandra Mishra questioned what action had the government taken after the incident, especially in light of increase in incidents of Dalit atrocities in Bihar.

Courtesy: DNA India