Zeenews Bureau
Patna: In the wake of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s cavalcade being attacked by protesters during his ‘Adhikar Yatra’ in Khagaria district, seven sub-inspectors were suspended by police for dereliction of duty, reports said on Sunday.
The suspension comes three days after the incidents of violence and arson disrupted Nitish’s ‘Adhikar Yatra’ on Thursday, but Bihar police deny that cops were suspended in connection with the attack on the CM`s convoy.
In a bid to garner support over his demand for special status for the state, the Bihar CM had launched “Adhikar Yatra’ to various districts, but his cavalcade had to bear the brunt of angry protesters, mainly contractual teachers who hurled slippers at the chief minister on Friday at Madhepura.
The violence spiralled out of control as the protesters torched the vehicles of officials, record room and other properties at the district collectorate in Khagaria district.
As the police seemed incapable to manage the situation, a former JD(U) MLA Ranvir Yadav snatched the carbine from a policeman and was caught on camera threatening the protesters.
A Special Investigation Team has been constituted to probe the violence. So far, 42 people have been arrested in connection with the incident. They have also lodged First Information Reports (FIRs) against 673 protesters, including 600 unidentified ones for their alleged involvement in the violence.
The protesters comprised mainly of contractual teachers (known as para-teachers) who were angry over non-fulfilment of their demands.
The teachers were demanding parity in salaries and allowances with regular teachers.
Condemning the violence during his yatra, Nitish said, "The protesters pelted stones on my motorcade and made a bid on my life apparently to stop me in my endeavour to seek betterment of Bihar and its people by getting special status".
Kumar said he has `full respect` for the democratic rights of the people but the violent protest was uncalled for and unexpected from the people of Bihar.
"Such activities in Khagaria and other districts are brazen violation of the political and democratic culture of the state."
Kumar said he was unaffected by the violent protests and threat to his life and would continue to strive for development of Bihar and prosperity of the people.
He slammed his political adversaries for fomenting trouble during his `Adhikar Yatra` and said that he was aware about the forces orchestrating violent protest against him.
"I pity them (political adversaries) as they have no worthwhile thing to do," he said referring to the RJD.
He asked the people to elect MPs who would stand firm on the special status demand in Parliament and outside so that the next government at the Centre could concede to the `rightful` demand.
(With PTI inputs)
