The political atmosphere in Bihar remains tense after back-to-back attacks on ministers. Just days after Health Minister Mangal Pandey’s convoy was attacked in Patna, another shocking incident took place in Nalanda. Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar faced an angry mob during his visit to the district. According to initial media reports, his convoy was chased by the crowd for several kilometers. Some security personnel were injured in the clash while the minister narrowly escaped unharmed.

Crowd Chased Shravan Kumar’s Convoy

Reports suggest that Shravan Kumar, who hails from Nalanda, was surrounded by locals during his visit. The incident took place in Hilsa, specifically at Malawan village, where an accident had recently claimed nine lives. Shravan Kumar had gone to meet the grieving families and offer support on behalf of the government. However, the situation quickly turned hostile, and the mob attacked his convoy. Security personnel intervened and somehow managed to escort the minister out safely. Eyewitnesses claim the crowd followed the convoy for a long distance, raising slogans and throwing objects.

Background: The Hilsa Road Accident

The violence was triggered by a recent road accident on the Hilsa state highway that killed nine people. When Shravan Kumar visited Malawan to console the bereaved families, locals allegedly expressed anger over the government’s handling of the situation. Despite the minister assuring compensation and government aid, the mob reportedly turned aggressive.

Earlier Attack on Minister Mangal Pandey

This attack comes shortly after the convoy of Health Minister Mangal Pandey was targeted in Patna. Locals protesting the death of a brother-sister duo on Atal Path clashed with police when Pandey’s convoy passed by. The mob pelted stones, attacked security forces, and even torched vehicles. Pandey too narrowly escaped injury.

Police had to resort to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. Several police personnel sustained injuries during the clash. Following investigations, authorities revealed that the violence was not spontaneous but planned by local leaders.

40 Arrested in Atal Path Violence

In connection with the Atal Path unrest, police arrested over 40 individuals, including Ward Councillor Amar Kumar alias Tutu and lawyer Shwet Ranjan. Authorities claim that the violence, road blockade, and arson were orchestrated by them for political and financial motives. Investigators allege that outsiders were brought in to fuel the protest.

So far, more than 62 people have been detained for questioning. CCTV footage and photographs are being used to identify additional suspects. Police sources revealed that both the councillor and lawyer had ulterior motives, including ensuring compensation for victim families through agitation.

Shravan Kumar’s Response

Reacting to the incident, Minister Shravan Kumar said he had visited Malawan to meet the families of the victims. He stated that each bereaved family had been given ₹20,000 as immediate financial aid, and the government would continue to support them.

When asked why the crowd turned hostile despite aid, Kumar replied that only the villagers could answer that. He further added, “This is Bihar. Here we encounter different people and different emotions. Some appreciate our work, while others oppose it. Politics has both supporters and critics, and such incidents are part of public life.”

Political Tension Rising in Bihar

The repeated targeting of state ministers has raised serious questions about law and order in Bihar. Opposition leaders have accused the Nitish Kumar-led government of failing to protect its own ministers, let alone the public. Meanwhile, ruling party leaders dismiss these as isolated incidents fueled by anger and political conspiracies.

Security Concerns

With Bihar heading towards crucial political developments and upcoming electoral campaigns, back-to-back attacks highlight the urgent need for tightened security. Both the Mangal Pandey and Shravan Kumar incidents have exposed the vulnerability of ministers during public visits, especially in sensitive areas where local grievances are high.

The attack on Shravan Kumar in Nalanda following the Hilsa accident and the earlier assault on Mangal Pandey in Patna indicate growing frustration among people. While ministers claim these are political moves, public anger over governance issues appears to be a driving factor.

The state government now faces mounting pressure to restore law and order, reassure the public, and ensure the safety of its ministers. The coming weeks will determine whether these incidents remain isolated or evolve into a larger challenge for the Nitish Kumar government.