Massacre fallout: Bihar police cries foul over suspensions

At today’s meeting, police officers asked why if Rajan had been suspended, DGP S K Saxena was still there when Rabri Devi had promised action against him too.

Younger IPS officers were particularly belligerent. They said that Rajan had an impressive track record in Rohtas, Bhagalpur and Purnea districts. Citing They also referred to intelligence reports that linked RJD politicians with the Ranvir Sena, the upper-caste private army behind the massacre.

Police officers also complained of demoralisation. “The lower ranks are very unhappy and ill-equipped, they can’t even defend itself. How can they fight extremists and caste armies which have sophisticated weapons and enjoy political patronage?” said an SP-rank officer.

Political interference was also one of the subjects raised at the meeting. Only yesterday, a deputy superintendent of police in Jehanabad refused to raid a village despite orders from Magadh DIG K B Singh. “Middle-level officers, including inspectors and sub-inspectors, are openly defying seniors because the RJD leadership backs them,” a senior IPS office alleged.