Patna: Bihar’s new Home Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, Samrat Chaudhary, has begun his tenure with strong announcements to improve law and order in the state. On Tuesday, immediately after assuming charge at Sardar Patel Bhawan in Patna, he said that the priority of the Home Department will be to carry forward Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s mission of good governance. He assured that criminals, mafias and those who disturb peace will be firmly dealt with.
A major step announced on the first day was the formation of an Anti-Romeo Squad across the state to stop harassment of girls and women, especially near schools and colleges. Samrat Chaudhary said that special women-led police units equipped with pink mobile phones will be deployed to take quick action against cases of molestation or misbehaviour. He added that the squad will also monitor and take action against those who abuse or troll women and girls on social media platforms.
The Home Minister also emphasised that crimes planned from inside jails will not be tolerated. He raised concerns about the use of mobile phones by prisoners and warned that the government will investigate how phones are reaching jail inmates. Chaudhary also proposed banning outside food in jails to stop misuse and ensure stricter discipline inside prisons.
Before addressing the media, Samrat Chaudhary held a nearly two-hour review meeting with senior officials of the Police Headquarters. He also met former Directors General of Police to understand policing challenges. Crime-related cases and law and order updates were presented to him during this meeting. He stated that good governance, strong action against criminals and speedy trials will remain the three main focus areas of the Home Ministry going forward.
