Union Minister Chirag Paswan has strongly condemned the recent arson attack in Nawada, Bihar, where approximately 80 houses belonging to the Mahadalit Tola community were destroyed by criminals. In a statement on social media, Paswan described the act as “extremely shameful and reprehensible” and called on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take decisive action.

Paswan demanded that the culprits be arrested swiftly and face the harshest penalties. He also emphasised the need for immediate financial assistance to support the victims. “I demand that such culprits be arrested as soon as possible and given the harshest punishment,” Paswan stated. He further called for a judicial inquiry into the incident, asserting, “We must ensure that no one dares to commit such an act in the future.”

The Minister extended his condolences to the victims' families, saying, “I and my party have deep condolences for the victim’s family.” He announced plans to visit the site soon to meet with those affected.

In response to the attack, police officials arrived at the scene to assess the damage. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has instructed the ADG Law and Order to conduct a thorough inspection.

Fifteen people have been arrested in connection with the arson attack in Nawada, Bihar, according to Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Akhilesh Kumar. The incident, which saw nearly 80 houses belonging to the Mahadalit Tola community set on fire by criminals, has drawn widespread outrage.

In his statement, SDO Akhilesh Kumar confirmed that law enforcement agencies have been actively pursuing those responsible, resulting in 15 arrests so far. "Fifteen people have been arrested till now," Kumar stated, as police continue to investigate the incident and search for additional suspects involved in the attack.

The Nawada arson has prompted strong reactions from political leaders, including Union Minister Chirag Paswan, who condemned the violence and urged swift justice for the victims. He called on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take decisive action and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.

Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati also reacted to the incident, urging the central government to aid the victims. In a post on X, she wrote, “The incident of burning down many houses of poor Dalits in Bihar’s Nawada by the goons and ruining their lives is extremely sad and serious. The government should take strict legal action against the culprits and also provide full financial help for the rehabilitation of the victims.”

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticised the NDA government’s response, calling the situation in Bihar “Jungle Raj.” In a post on X, Yadav wrote, “More than 100 houses of Dalits were set on fire in Nawada. There is fire all over Bihar under the rule of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is carefree, NDA allies are unaware! The poor are burnt, die – what do they care? Atrocities on Dalits will not be tolerated.”

Issuing a clarification about the extent of the damage amid rumours, Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Akhilesh Kumar said, "The land dispute case is going on in the court and everyone will accept the decision of the court. We received information about the incident at around 7:15 pm. Around 21 houses have been burnt...."

Image source: ANI