Patna: Bettiah MP Sanjay Jaiswal has called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged large-scale diesel theft in the Bettiah Municipal Corporation, directly implicating Mayor Garima Devi Sikariya and raising questions about the Standing Committee’s role.
The allegations follow a series of public confrontations between Jaiswal and political strategist Prashant Kishor. Earlier this year, a controversy erupted when liquor was recovered from a vehicle bearing a Janasuraj sticker in Rohtas district, prompting Jaiswal to launch his first direct attack on Kishor. In response, Kishor accused the BJP MP of petrol theft at a local petrol pump and obstructing flyover construction in East Champaran, escalating the feud into a widely reported political clash.
Jaiswal’s recent claims, outlined in a letter sent to the Municipal Corporation on September 19, allege that municipal vehicles were filled with diesel, driven to the warehouse of ward councillor Rohit Sikariya in the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA), siphoned off, and then returned to municipal parking lots. The MP posted details of the alleged scam on social media, publicly sharing his letter and raising concerns over the corporation’s inaction.
Highlighting alleged collusion within the municipality, Jaiswal pointed to two municipal employees, Julum Sah and Tabrez, who manage diesel coupons. He claimed both had been recommended for dismissal months ago but remain employed, continuing their activities under the mayor’s alleged concealment of evidence.
Jaiswal announced plans to meet Urban Development Minister Jivesh Kumar, urging the formation of an SIT to investigate the alleged diesel theft and review the work of the Empowered Committee over the past two years, including through video documentation.
The escalating confrontation between the BJP MP and Kishor has drawn significant attention in local media and on social platforms, further intensifying political tensions in Bihar ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
