Bihar's Science and Technology Minister, Sumit Kumar Singh, generated significant controversy on Monday, May 20, 2024, after he characterized a widely publicized incident of women's harassment in Jamui district as a "chhitputh ghatna," translating to an "isolated incident." The remark, made to reporters outside the Bihar assembly in Patna, quickly drew sharp criticism from opposition parties and ignited a debate over the state's law and order situation.

The minister's statement was a response to questions regarding the overall law and order in Bihar, particularly in light of a distressing video that had recently gone viral. The video depicted three women being harassed and allegedly molested by a group of men in Jamui. The incident had already triggered public outrage and prompted police action prior to Minister Singh's comments.

The use of the term "chhitputh ghatna" by a cabinet minister in reference to a serious crime involving women's safety immediately triggered a strong reaction from political rivals. Opposition leaders accused Minister Singh and the state government of insensitivity and downplaying the gravity of such incidents.

  • Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Reaction: RJD leader Shakti Singh Yadav condemned the minister's statement, labeling it as "irresponsible." Yadav emphasized that such remarks from a government minister reflected a concerning lack of seriousness towards issues of public safety.
  • Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Criticism: Bihar BJP state president Samrat Choudhary also criticized Minister Singh's comments. Choudhary stated that such remarks indicated the "insensitivity" of the government towards the plight of its citizens, particularly women facing harassment. He further suggested that these statements highlighted a broader failure in maintaining law and order across the state.

The controversy unfolded even as law enforcement agencies were actively engaged in addressing the Jamui harassment case. Local police had initiated a thorough investigation following the circulation of the video. Authorities had conducted raids and made arrests in connection with the incident, with reports indicating that two main accused individuals and a minor had been apprehended. The police action underscored the serious nature of the case, presenting a stark contrast to the minister's classification of it as an "isolated incident."

The incident and the subsequent political fallout highlight ongoing concerns about women's safety and the perception of law and order in Bihar. Minister Sumit Kumar Singh's statement has become a central point of contention in the political discourse, with opposition parties leveraging it to challenge the state government's approach to governance and public security. As the investigation into the Jamui harassment case continues, the minister's controversial remark is expected to remain a subject of political scrutiny and public debate within the state.