Concerns raised over alleged caste profiling in police encounters, while the government says action is based only on criminal records and attacks on police teams
PATNA — A political row has broken out in Bihar over a series of police encounters carried out after the formation of the new government led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary last month. While the state government has described the campaign as a strict drive against organised crime, opposition leaders and several social observers have questioned whether sections of society are being selectively projected and targeted in public discourse surrounding the encounters.
The controversy intensified after Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav alleged that the police action was being viewed through a caste lens and demanded transparency in encounter investigations.
Since taking office, the Bihar government has launched a strong crackdown on criminal networks across the state. Police and Special Task Force (STF) teams have carried out multiple operations in districts including Samastipur, Purnia, Bhagalpur, Motihari, Patna and Siwan. Several accused persons have been injured in what police describe as “half encounters”, while others have been killed during armed exchanges.
Officials claim the operations are part of an unofficial campaign popularly being referred to as “Operation Langda”, under which accused persons allegedly involved in serious crimes are being tracked and arrested.
According to police officials, many of the accused opened fire during attempts to escape, forcing officers to retaliate.
The latest incident took place in Samastipur district, where police and STF personnel conducted a joint operation in the Ujiyarpur police station area. Police said notorious robbery accused Prince Kumar was shot in the leg after he allegedly fired at officers during a chase.
A senior police officer said, “The accused opened direct fire on the police team. Our personnel acted in self-defence. He was injured below the knee and later taken for treatment.”
Police records state that Prince Kumar was allegedly involved in several highway robberies in Samastipur and Begusarai districts, including a recent robbery of Rs 5 lakh from a customer service point operator.
Another encounter took place near the Kehat police station in Purnia district, where Mohammad Saddam and Imtiaz were injured during a police operation. Police alleged that the two men were linked to a motorcycle theft and illegal arms network active in the Seemanchal region.
Officials said the accused had earlier attacked a police patrol team and injured a constable.
A police officer involved in the operation claimed, “The STF and district police had set up barricades after receiving intelligence inputs. When the suspects tried to flee and opened fire, the police responded.”
Both men are currently undergoing treatment in the hospital.
The encounter debate became sharper after political leaders began discussing the caste and community background of the accused persons involved in recent operations.
Among those killed in encounters was Ramdhani Yadav, who police described as a gang leader operating in the riverine areas of Bhagalpur, Munger and Khagaria districts. Police alleged that he was involved in extortion, murder and intimidation of traders and had more than 25 serious criminal cases against him.
According to police accounts, he was killed during an operation in the Bhagalpur Diara region after allegedly opening fire on officers.
In another case, Avdhesh Sao and Bideshiya Kumar were injured during a police operation near Bihta in Patna district. The two men were accused in a double murder case linked to a land dispute in the Gaurichak area.
Police said the accused refused to surrender and started firing during the operation.
Similarly, Kundan Thakur and Priyansh Dubey were killed during an STF encounter near Chakia in Motihari district. Investigators alleged that the two were contract killers involved in an extortion case connected to a local contractor.
Another major encounter took place in the Siwan district, where Sonu Kumar Yadav, also known as Chhotu Yadav, was killed. Police alleged that he was the main shooter in the murder of a relative of a former BJP MLC.
Officials said he fired from an AK-47 rifle during the operation.
As details of the encounters emerged in the media, political reactions also grew stronger. Opposition leaders argued that public discussions around caste identities of the accused risk deepening social divisions in Bihar.
Speaking to reporters, Tejashwi Yadav said, “The government must clarify whether policing is being done according to law or according to caste calculations. Every encounter must face legal scrutiny.”
Several social activists have also expressed concern about the increasing public celebration of encounter culture.
Patna-based social commentator Abdul Hameed said, “Crime must be controlled firmly, but there should also be accountability. Encounters cannot become a substitute for the judicial process.”
Another civil rights observer, Ritu Singh, said, “The language being used in some political and media discussions is dangerous because it can create suspicion between communities.”
At the same time, the Bihar government has strongly defended the police action.
Officials at the police headquarters rejected allegations of caste bias and said action was being taken purely based on criminal activity and attacks on police personnel.
An ADG-rank officer said, “Bihar Police do not act based on caste or religion. Action is taken against criminals who attack police teams or threaten public safety.”
The state government has repeatedly stated that law and order remains its top priority.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary had earlier said at a public gathering that criminals challenging the police or the public would receive a “strong response within 48 hours”.
The recent encounters have once again revived the long-running national debate over police powers, due process and extra-judicial methods.
Legal experts say that while governments are expected to tackle organised crime firmly, every encounter must still be independently investigated to maintain public confidence.
Senior advocate Faizan Mustafa said, “The rule of law requires transparency. If police action is genuine, an independent inquiry only strengthens public trust.”
Political observers believe the issue may continue to dominate Bihar’s political atmosphere in the coming weeks, especially as opposition parties attempt to turn the encounter debate into a larger discussion about governance, policing and social justice.
For many ordinary residents, however, the central concern remains public safety.
Rakesh Kumar, a shopkeeper in Patna, said, “People want crime to end, but they also want fairness. Both things are important in a democracy.”
