Patna: A political controversy has erupted in Bihar after the state government announced honours for 40 police personnel, with the opposition objecting strongly to the inclusion of an officer accused in a fatal shooting case.
The “Veer Pashupatinath Medal”, issued through the office of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Tirhut range, is set to recognise officers and personnel for what officials described as “outstanding work” during 2026.
However, the list has drawn criticism from Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the opposition in the Bihar legislative assembly, who has questioned the decision to include a former station house officer from Muzaffarpur among the awardees.
In a post on social media platform X, Yadav objected to the inclusion of Raja Singh, the former SHO of Gaighat police station, alleging it was inappropriate to honour an officer facing accusations related to a fatal shooting incident.
अप्रत्याशित, आपत्तिजनक एवं घोर निंदनीय!
अराजक, असामाजिक, अमानवीय, असंवेदनशील, जनविरोधी और भ्रष्ट माफियाओं व गुंडों की संरक्षक बिहार पुलिस के एक भ्रष्ट जातिवादी अधिकारी ने नशे में धूत हो गोली मार एक निर्दोष नागरिक की हत्या कर दी। प्रदेश के अचेत मुख्यमंत्री और गृहमंत्री इस अब… pic.twitter.com/jOVJhNz3RW
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) March 26, 2026
The controversy is linked to an incident in Chorniya village in Muzaffarpur district, where a man, Jagatveer Rai, died last week after being shot during a police operation. Police officials have said the firing occurred in self-defence, while residents of the village have alleged the use of unprovoked force.
The incident triggered protests in the area, following which nine police personnel, including the station house officer, were removed from their posts pending further action.
Yadav also visited the bereaved family and pledged support in their pursuit of justice.
An administrative inquiry into the incident is currently underway. The state government has not yet publicly responded to the opposition’s objections over the awards list. The matter is expected to remain politically sensitive as investigations continue.
