In Begusarai, a notorious criminal was killed in an encounter on Friday night, shortly after the state’s newly appointed ministers received their portfolios. This incident has ignited discussions about a potential shift towards the “UP model” of policing, coinciding with Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary assuming control of the Home Department, a role previously held by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for nearly twenty years. The operation was executed by the Special Task Force, with assistance from local police, near the villages of Shaligram and Malhipur in the Sahebpur Kamal area. Officials reported that the STF had been informed of wanted criminal Shivdutt Rai being in the vicinity to acquire weapons.
Upon arrival, police encountered six individuals on two motorcycles who allegedly opened fire, prompting officers to respond in self-defence. During the exchange, Rai sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh and later succumbed to his injuries, while the other suspects escaped. Following Rai’s initial statements, police recovered a cache of weapons, cash, and cough syrup from a nearby residence. Rai reportedly had numerous criminal cases against him. This encounter occurs amidst a pivotal time of administrative change. Choudhary, who leads the BJP’s legislative party in the state, now manages the Home Department—a crucial ministry that Nitish Kumar has controlled since 2005 as part of his law-and-order reform initiatives.
This marks only the third occasion since Independence that the department has been assigned to someone other than the chief minister. The reshuffle has fueled political speculation regarding whether Bihar will implement a more stringent policing strategy similar to that of Uttar Pradesh under Yogi Adityanath. BJP supporters view Choudhary’s appointment as indicative of a more robust stance against organized crime. However, analysts suggest that the true measure of success will depend on how effectively the deputy chief minister collaborates with the police and administrative systems and whether he ensures continuity with the frameworks established during CM Nitish’s lengthy leadership.