Bihar Home Minister Nitish Kumar vows action against negligent police personnel, criminal gangs

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday said his government will not compromise on law and order and warned that “strict action will be taken against police personnel for negligence.” At a review meeting of the Home Ministry, the Chief Minister stressed that rule of law is “top priority” for the NDA government.

The meeting is significant against the backdrop of opposition to the government over alleged deterioration of law and order in the state.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Kumar said, “The government will not compromise on law and order and strict action will be taken against negligent police personnel.” He directed police officials to intensify night patrolling and urged senior officials to carry out regular inspections in their areas.

Highlighting a decline in crime related to land disputes, Kumar said, “Earlier, over 60 per cent of crime was due to land disputes. Now, it has come down to 46.69 per cent. The government has launched a special aerial survey and land settlement drive in the state, which should be completed expeditiously to curb land disputes.” The Chief Minister also ordered action against organised criminal gangs and stressed on the need for necessary measures in this regard.

In a bid to further improve law and order, Kumar announced the creation of 229,139 new posts in various categories in the state police force.

He indicated that there are currently about 106,436 police officers in service and that efforts are underway to fill the remaining vacancies.

“Around 30,000 women are employed in the Bihar police, the highest number among all states in India. We have ensured 35 per cent reservation for women in the police and other services of the state government,” the CM said.

Later, the CM chaired a review meeting of the tourism ministry, during which he directed officials to complete the development works of Punaura Dham Janki Mandir, a Hindu pilgrimage site in Sitamarhi district, considered the birthplace of Sita.

Officials said the cabinet has already approved Rs 72.47 crore for the development of the site.

(This report was published as part of the automatically generated syndicated wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing was performed on the copy by ABP Live.)