The prime minister’s silence is like supporting this injustice, says Rahul Gandhi; Mayawati terms it extremely sad and serious’
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Dozens of Dalit homes were torched in Bihar’s Manjhi Tola under Mufassil Police Station in Nawada district on Wednesday, drawing widespread condemnation from political leaders.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered the Additional Director General of Police (ADG) Law and Order to visit Nawada following the arson attack reportedly over a land dispute. Shots were fired as arsonists torched the houses one by one, creating panic in the area.
Police reached the spot with fire engines to control the blaze. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but 15 people have been detained, and search operations are ongoing to apprehend other accused, media reports reaching here said on Thursday.
“We received a call around 7:30 pm regarding the fire. The situation is now under control, and a large police force has been deployed to prevent any further violence,” said Superintendent of Police Abhinav Dhiman after visiting the site. Relief efforts are underway, with the Nawada District Magistrate Ashutosh Kumar Verma confirming that temporary shelters, food packets, and drinking water are being provided to the displaced families.
Condemning the attack, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticised the Bihar government for its inaction. He expressed his concern, saying that even the cries of the Dalit families who lost their homes have not woken the government from its “deep sleep.”
Gandhi posted on X (formerly Twitter) and said, “The burning of over 80 homes in a Mahadalit colony is an example of injustice against the poor and marginalised communities in Bihar.”
The Congress leader also blamed the BJP and its allies for protecting people who scare and harm Dalits. According to Gandhi, these groups prevent Dalits from getting their basic rights. He further criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not speaking up about the issue. “The prime minister’s silence is like supporting this injustice,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi also demanded that those responsible for the violence should be punished, and the victims must receive proper help to rebuild their homes and lives.
Party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also spoke about the incident, calling it “horrifying.” She said, “The law and order situation in Bihar is collapsing. The firing of many rounds during the attack created fear among people.” She also asked the government to take strict action and make sure the victims get proper support.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the attack, accusing the BJP and its allies of neglecting the Dalit community. He described the indident as further evidence of the “jungle raj” under the NDA government in Bihar. In a post on X, Kharge wrote, “The BJP and its allies’ utter indifference towards the Dalits at its peak. Prime Minister Modi is silent as usual, and Nitish Kumar remains focused on power.”
BSP chief Mayawati also expressed sorrow over the incident, calling it “extremely sad and serious.” She urged the government to ensure the culprits were brought to justice and demanded financial support for the rehabilitation of the victims.
