Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the opposition in Bihar, has strongly condemned the law and order situation in the state following a violent exchange of fire between two groups near Patna on Wednesday. Describing the incident as a “criminal disorder,” Yadav expressed his shock and concern, urging Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take action and “come to his senses.” Reports indicate that over 70 rounds of firing were exchanged in the shootout between former legislator Anant Singh and gangster Sonu on the outskirts of Patna. No casualties have been reported so far, but the incident highlights the lawlessness in the region, with Yadav claiming that criminals operate with complete protection from the state’s ruling powers.
The incident occurred in Nauranga village in Barh, where conflicting accounts have emerged. Some villagers alleged that the firing began after instructions from Anant Singh, while others claimed it was a retaliatory action. Singh himself stated that he had gone to the village to address the concerns of poor villagers who were allegedly thrown out of their houses by influential people. When he attempted to intervene, a gunfight ensued between his supporters and the rivals. Singh also mentioned that one of his supporters had been injured in the exchange of fire. While police investigations continue, they have ruled out the possibility of a gang war, and a case has been filed by a family whose house was targeted during the incident.
The shootout has once again brought attention to the ongoing criminal activities in Bihar, particularly involving figures like Anant Singh, a former gangster turned politician. Despite being disqualified from the assembly following a 2020 conviction for possessing illegal weapons, Singh was acquitted by the Patna High Court in August 2024. The police are now intensifying efforts to apprehend Sonu and Monu Singh, who remain on the run. Yadav has seized the opportunity to call for a change in leadership, emphasizing that the current government is enabling corruption and crime in the state.