Don't Give a Free Hand to Shahabuddin

by Sanjay Prakash Dubey

May 12, 2006

Shahabuddin’s manhandling of a senior police officer in Siwan district jail is once again reminder of the fact how criminals and anti-social elements have hijacked law and order in the state. Every law abiding individual was shocked to learn that a criminal could dare to go to such an extent. Had this incident happened during “Lalu-Rabri Raj”, it would not have shocked us. Because we were used to such incidents. In fact, Lalu-Rabri Raj was synonymous with rule of the criminals. It was a period when criminals prevailed over the administrative machinery.

Is the Nitish government going the same way? Just imagine what would be the morale of police personnel when they learn that even their officers are helpless before powerful and influential criminals.

The administration should take the matter seriously and deal with the Siwan MP in a stern way. It should give the message that nobody is above the law. The people of Bihar voted for Nitish because he had promised to bring back the rule of the law. This is the time for him to deliver. He should not give the impression that when it comes to dealing with criminals, he is as helpless as his predecessors. All the criminals, howsoever powerful they may be, should be brought to book. This would be the first step towards Bihar’s redemption.

Also, the statement of the state DGP that Shahabuddin was transferred from Bhagalpur Jail to Siwan Jail in a luxury car because he could not be treated like an ordinary criminal is regrettable. A criminal is a criminal. There are no ordinary or VIP criminals. If a criminal is treated like a VIP, it will not only demoralize the police forces and civil society but will also encourage youngsters to become criminals. The glorification of the criminals should be stopped at all.

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