Political tensions are rising in Bihar following the killing of a food delivery agent from the state, Pandav Kumar, by a Delhi Police head constable, Neeraj Kumar, in Delhi’s Jaffarpur Kalan village. The incident, which involved a shooting, also left Pandav’s friend Krishna critically injured. He is currently battling for his life.
According to reports, Head Constable Neeraj Kumar, posted with the Delhi Police, allegedly abused the victims by calling them “Bihari” before opening fire on them, in the early hours of Sunday.
In a press statement issued here on Tuesday, RJD National Working President Tejashwi Yadav said that under the BJP government, “being a Bihari has itself become the biggest crime and an act of treason.”
“The Delhi Police, which comes under the Union Home Ministry and is responsible for public safety, treated someone as a criminal merely for being ‘Bihari’ and shot him. What could be more condemnable than this? NDA leaders are silent and in hiding on this issue,” he said.
Yadav further stated that due to 21 years of “poor policies” under the Nitish Kumar-BJP alliance, people of Bihar have been forced to migrate to other states, where, he alleged, BJP governments and administrations view hardworking Biharis with suspicion, hatred, and a sense of inferiority.
“Time and again, Biharis face atrocities, and migrant workers from the state are subjected to harassment. This incident is an attack on the dignity of Bihar and its people. Justice is needed, and it is needed immediately,” he added.
Independent MP from Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, visited the incident site on Tuesday. He expressed condolences to the victim’s family and paid tribute to the deceased.
He demanded a fair and swift investigation into the case and called for the death penalty for the accused head constable. “Whoever the culprit may be, they must receive strict punishment according to the law,” he said.
The Purnea MP also called for a high-level inquiry to ensure justice and urged that all possible assistance be provided to the victim’s family.
“At the same time, the Chief Minister of Bihar must answer why reports of continued atrocities against poor and ordinary people from Bihar keep emerging in BJP-ruled areas. Will any concrete action be taken, or will the safety of Bihar’s people continue to be left to fate?” he asked.