Patna: Tej Pratap Yadav has called for an investigation into claims that there is a basement at the official residence of former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi, even as he accused the Jharkhand government of protecting criminals in an unrelated murder case.
Tej Pratap, the elder son of Rabri Devi and former chief minister Lalu Prasad, was responding to allegations made by Janata Dal (United) chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar about the residence at 10 Circular Road in Patna. Kumar had claimed that the property contains a basement and said the matter should be investigated after the government accommodation is vacated.
Speaking to reporters, Yadav said that an inquiry could establish the facts. “Whether there is a basement or not is a matter for investigation. When I lived there, there was nothing like that,” he said. He added that government residences must be vacated in any case, and that the family has a private house where they will move.
Separately, Yadav expressed grief over the death of Alok Kumar, the younger brother of Ashutosh Kumar, founder of the Bhumihar Brahmin Ekta Manch. Describing Alok Kumar as a devotee of Lord Krishna, Yadav said he regarded him “like a brother”.
Yadav met Ashutosh Kumar following the incident and shared a photograph of the meeting on his social media account, saying they discussed the circumstances of the killing. He demanded that a special committee be formed to investigate the case and called for strict punishment for those responsible. “The conspirators and their entire team should be given life imprisonment,” he said, adding that the fight would continue until justice was delivered.
Criticising the Jharkhand government, Yadav alleged that after the incident in Deoghar, the administration under chief minister Hemant Soren had given criminals a free hand. He claimed those responsible were being shielded by the authorities.
He also urged the state government to ensure the swift arrest of all those involved. While acknowledging reports that some arrests had been made, Yadav said those who were absconding must also be apprehended and punished without delay.
