Patna: When Samrat Chaudhary took charge as Home Minister earlier this month, he declared that “criminals will have to leave, action will be taken”. Yet within just ten days of his tenure, a pattern of killings and violent crime has shaken the state’s sense of security.
A Bhaskar analysis of reported cases between November 20 to 29, points to 45 murders — a figure that excludes several attempted killings, rapes and grievous assaults. While not official, the number reflects a disturbing surge at odds with the political messaging of a tightening crackdown.
Incidents range from the shooting of a property dealer in Patna, to a beheading in Darbhanga, to the rape and murder of a young woman in Siwan, whose family say police dismissed them when they first sought help.
A trail of brutal crimes
The spike in killings includes some of the year’s most harrowing cases.
1. Siwan:A missing woman dismissed by police, found raped and murdered
On 27 November, a young woman’s half-naked body was discovered in a pigeon-pea field in Pachrukhi.
Her family say she never returned after leaving for farm work the previous evening. When they approached the police, officers allegedly told them the girl was “young” and likely “out with someone”.
The next morning, her body was recovered. No significant action has been taken so far.
2. Kaimur: Siblings, aged 10 and 12, killed and hanged
In Ismailpur, the bodies of Shivani (10) and Sudhir (12) were found hanging from a noose.
Their father alleges the children were killed by local strongmen after a dispute over drinking water from a tube well. Police have registered a case against nine people.
3. Darbhanga: A man beheaded over a love affair
Golu, 26, missing since 15 November, was found buried and beheaded, his torso near the river and his head found a day later.
Family members allege he was murdered by the husband of a woman with whom he had a relationship. Police have arrested four accused; two remain missing.
4. Patna: Property dealer shot dead, mob kills alleged shooters
On 25 November, Ashrafi Rai, a property dealer, was shot dead in Gopalpur.
A mob caught the two alleged shooters and lynched them on the spot.
Police have filed two separate FIRs — one for the murder of Rai, another for lynching.
5. Gaya: Teenager lured and killed over a relationship
Eighteen-year-old Sanjay Kumar was tied up and shot in the head and neck after being called to a secluded spot, allegedly by relatives of his girlfriend.
Police have arrested two of the accused and named six in total.
Murders reported almost every day
From dowry killings to love affair executions, child murders, lynchings and domestic violence deaths, cases piled up across the state:
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Khagaria: woman murdered for dowry
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Gopalganj: girl raped and killed
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Motihari: VIP leader shot dead
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Nalanda: elderly man shot
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Katihar: woman raped and murdered
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Aurangabad: body found by roadside
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Bhagalpur: missing youth found dead in a pond
…and dozens more.
The pattern, say locals, resembles a daily crime bulletin, not a return to “good governance”.
Political blame game erupts
Congress: “Law and order has collapsed”
Congress spokesperson Gyan Ranjan said:
“Crime is at its peak. People are feeling unsafe. This government has created a reign of fear, not of law.”
BJP counters: “No organised crime; criminals will face last rites in Gaya”
BJP spokesperson Prabhat Malwar insisted the government was tightening control:
“No criminal can roam free. They will either go to jail, flee to Nepal, or their last rites will be performed in Gaya.”
Experts point to post-election crime surge
Political analyst Priyadarshi Ranjan notes that crime often spikes after elections:
“The Election Commission’s oversight keeps administration tight. After a new government takes over, crime frequently rises before coming under control.”
