In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Bihar, a video showing a BJP ward councillor threatening and assaulting a shopkeeper in Muzaffarpur has gone viral, prompting sharp criticisms from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav. The video, which has garnered widespread attention on social media, depicts BJP ward councillor Abhimanyu Chauhan brandishing a gun and engaging in violent behavior at a local hardware shop.
The incident, which took place at SK Trades Hardware shop located at Gobarsahi Chowk, was captured by the shop’s CCTV cameras. The footage shows Chauhan, accompanied by several associates, verbally abusing and physically assaulting Jitendra Kumar, the shopkeeper. In a particularly alarming moment, Chauhan draws a pistol and points it at Kumar, although the shopkeeper remains uninjured.
Tejashwi Yadav took to social media to condemn the actions shown in the video, attributing the violence to a broader pattern of behavior within the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his post on X, Yadav accused the BJP of fostering a culture of extortion and intimidation. He stated, “See how BJP leaders are openly barging into shops and pointing guns at businessmen. They are abusing and beating them. If they don’t pay extortion money, they will shut down their business. This is the work culture of BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The bigger the goon, rapist, criminal, and swindler, the bigger leader he is. This is their Mangalraj. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has become helpless and powerless. Criminals are creating havoc. Is this not hooliganism protected, supported, and sponsored by the government?”
The local community intervened to de-escalate the situation, and Kumar has since filed an FIR against Chauhan and others involved in the incident. The police have initiated an investigation to determine the motives behind the altercation and the circumstances leading to Chauhan’s use of a firearm.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, already facing criticism from various quarters, is now under additional pressure to address the concerns raised by Yadav and to ensure that law enforcement takes swift action against those involved. The BJP has yet to officially respond to the incident, but the situation continues to fuel political debates and public outcry in Bihar.
As the investigation progresses, all eyes will be on how both the state and national leadership address this troubling episode and its implications for governance and public safety in the region.