Patna: In a controversial statement, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary stirred a debate by claiming that killings related to family enmity should be viewed as “family matters” rather than criminal cases. Choudhary’s comments came following a recent murder in Khagaria, where Shiv Kaushal Singh was shot dead by unidentified assailants. The Deputy CM’s remarks, which came in the wake of the killing, are raising eyebrows among critics, with some questioning his stance on law enforcement in sensitive situations.
Choudhary further added, “If a killing is related to a family enmity, then it is a family matter, not a crime. As per the statement of the deceased’s family members, it is a matter related to the family…” His words come amid ongoing investigations into the fatal shooting of Singh, which the police have labeled a case of personal enmity. Singh, reportedly a relative of JDU MLA from Beldaur, Pannalal Singh Patel, was shot at the rear side of his head, and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
In the same breath, Choudhary addressed the growing concern over criminal activities in Bihar, particularly highlighting the police’s successful arrest of individuals involved in the recent robbery at a Tanishq showroom. “This is not the RJD government; here, criminals will have to go to jail. The police will target the criminals who will brandish guns or weapons,” Choudhary stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to tackling criminal activities in the state.
Meanwhile, Khagaria’s Superintendent of Police, Rakesh Kumar, confirmed that the investigation into Singh’s murder is ongoing. “We had received information that Shiv Kaushal Singh was shot at by some unidentified assailants. He died at the hospital. We have some names for the incident. The family of the deceased has said that the reason behind the incident is personal enmity,” Kumar remarked. The police have said they are pursuing leads to determine the exact circumstances behind the tragic death.
