Alleged efforts at land grab by the ruling JD(U)’s strongman MLA Anant Singh on Tuesday prompted hundreds of affected people to stage angry protests on the streets of Patna, throwing traffic into disarray for about two hours.
Armed criminals allegedly hired by the controversial, muscle-flexing MLA from Mokama have been displaying guns and using force trying to vacate a piece of prime land, said the protesting residents. Evidently indignant at the state government’s inaction in curbing Singh’s alleged continuing indulgence in high-handed activities, the residents vowed to carry on public protests till the government ensured their safety.
“They (the goons) came in six four-wheelers yesterday, carrying and brandishing guns. They clearly asked us the residents here to quietly leave our homes. They threatened to shoot dead anyone who voiced protests,” said a woman among the protesters in Patna’s Kadamkuan area. Many protesters said they were sure the goons were sent by the MLA known for his muscle-flexing, gun-toting irreverence.
Shekhar Bandopad-hyaya, the owner of the property facing the land-grab threat, said he had approached the police seeking action against the criminals and safety of the people, but the police did nothing. “I am now going to seek help from higher-ups in the administration. Living here is fast becoming too dangerous,” he said.
The ruling-party MLA’s alleged criminal use of force for land grab had figured in the Bihar Legislative Council during the zero hour a week back.