Nawada: In Bihar’s Nawada district, attackers set fire to a Dalit settlement in Krishna Nagar village, destroying 80 to 100 homes. The attack is linked to a long-standing land dispute involving government-owned land.
On September 18 evening, around 100 assailants stormed the settlement, firing shots and causing widespread panic. The residents hid in fear, and reports suggest approximately 50 rounds were fired. Authorities were alerted around 7pm about the homes being set ablaze, prompting a swift response from the police and fire brigade, who eventually controlled the fire.
Ten suspects were arrested based on local information. District Magistrate Ashutosh Kumar noted that after surveying the area, around 30 houses were confirmed destroyed, although other reports suggest the number could be higher.
To maintain peace, security forces will remain in the area for the next few days, and the police have urged locals to provide any further information.
Opposition leaders have strongly criticised the government. Former Bihar CM Tejashwi Yadav condemned Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing them of ignoring the plight of the poor. Similarly, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge denounced the “terror” inflicted on the Dalit community and accused the ruling NDA government of fostering a dangerous environment for marginalised groups.
