HighLights
  1. Bihar Minister defends government on women's safety concerns.
  2. Cites crime incidents occurring in US and Japan.
  3. States no leader can completely stop all crimes.

Bihar, a state often in the spotlight over law-and-order issues, has witnessed renewed debate after a series of alleged sexual assault and harassment cases were reported from different districts. Amid questions over women’s safety, Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary said such incidents occur across the world, including in countries like the US and Japan.

Responding to questions from journalists about the recent cases, Choudhary said immediate action was being taken against those involved and questioned the attempt to portray the situation negatively.

“Look, don't set a narrative,” the minister told a journalist who questioned whether the government had lost control if people were unable to walk safely on the streets.

ALSO READ: Jamui Victim's Friend Resisted Beating, Abuses By Goons, Refused To Leave Girl: 'Kill Me, But Won't Leave Her Alone'

When the journalist replied, “We are not setting a narrative, sir,” Choudhary responded, “Listen to me - your question is negative.”

He said, “Ask what has actually happened, and I will answer that; you cannot be the one to dictate that the government lacks authority. A journalist cannot determine that. Listen to me, don't just ask a question and run off.”

He further said, “Regarding those raising questions against us today: haven't the people of Bihar seen what the situation was like during their tenure? The government possesses authority, and that authority will remain intact.”

Minister Cites US, Japan While Defending Government Action

When journalists pointed out that such incidents were being reported repeatedly, Choudhary said crimes occur worldwide.

“Incidents happen everywhere - they occur in America and in Japan too; it is not as if such incidents do not take place in America. America is far more developed than us, yet incidents happen there as well. What truly matters is whether the government intends to shield the perpetrators or if we are failing to take action against them - that is the crucial point,” he said.

The minister added that Bihar has a population of around 14 crore and said there was no shortage of people who commit crimes.

“It is a state with a population of 14 crore. There is no shortage of wicked, uneducated, ignorant, boorish, and uncouth people. People who play a role in undermining the rule of law are bringing disrepute to Bihar,” Choudhary said.

ALSO READ: Bihar: On Camera, Minor Girl Sexually Assaulted In Samastipur Days After Jamui Molestation Case; 4 Arrested

The minister’s remarks came after alleged cases of harassment and molestation were reported from Samastipur and Jamui in recent days. Police said four accused were arrested in connection with the Samastipur incident, where a girl was allegedly harassed in public.

 ‘No Leader Can Guarantee Crimes Will Stop From Tomorrow’

On being asked whether such incidents would continue, Choudhary said no world leader could guarantee that crimes would completely stop.

“No Chief Minister or world leader can claim that incidents will not occur from tomorrow onwards. However, the established precedent set by Nitish Kumar is that if such incidents do take place, the full force of the law - like a bulldozer - will be brought down upon the perpetrators,” he said.

Congress Leader Attacks Bihar Government

Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan criticised the government over the repeated incidents and alleged that criminals were not afraid of punishment.

“I have been saying for a long time that the government's writ no longer runs in Bihar. These incidents are occurring because criminals know exactly what will happen: they will go to jail, get bail,” Khan said.

The remarks have intensified the discussion around women’s safety, crime and police action in Bihar following the recent alleged incidents.


Also In News