Bihar police brass works lobbywise

Statesman News ServicePatna, Jan. 30: With the police top brass indulging in a “war of attrition”, the conviction rate in Bihar has come down in the last few months, leading to an alarming rise in crime across the state.Both criminals and Maoists are striking at will while the police look the other way. The criminals are even raiding government offices in the heart of the state’s capital and killing their targets. On Monday, two youths were gunned down by criminals on the premises of the Walter Resources Building office, close to the chief minister’s office. The criminals’ “speedy trial” was launched with much fanfare in January, 2006 and within a few months it saw many dons and toughs of yesteryear defending themselves before the courts of law. Additional director-general of police (Headquarters) Mr Abhay Anand was the brainchild of this plan. A total of 6,839 criminals who included the RJD MP from Siwan Mohammed Shahabuddin and SP MLA from Phulparas Mr Deonath Yadav were convicted by the courts for their crime. Of the total criminals convicted, 17 were sentenced to hanging while 1,389 were awarded life imprisonment.At least 366 criminals were awarded more than 10 years’ imprisonment, whereas 5,067 criminals were sentenced to less than 10 years’ imprisonment. The criminals’ trial took place peacefully across the state and no violence or resistance from their side was reported from any parts of Bihar.The trials forced the crime rates down. But the conviction rate has affected the state in recent months as the police appear to be busy fighting for the “battle of supremacy” or look to be divided along caste lines.The official statistics testify to this. According to an official report, the conviction of criminals has shown a downward trend since January, last year. Asked for reasons behind the falling conviction rate in the state, Mr Anand said some “people” in the police department were resisting the move for reasons best known to them. “Initially when the quick conviction plan was launched, many DSPs were stunned.Police sources said there are two lobbies ~ one is represented by the Kurmi caste, the other led by Bhumihars. Both united in the last Assembly polls and voted the NDA to power. As a result, officials from both castes were given plum posting when Mr Nitish Kumar, himself a Kurmi, became the chief minister. After a few months, Bhumihar officials began to feel the heat at the instance of the Kurmi lobby.