A violent incident occurred in Nawada district, Bihar, on Wednesday, where 21 thatched houses belonging to members of the Ravidas and Manjhi Scheduled Castes were set ablaze. The arson was allegedly motivated by land-grabbing accusations, according to The Indian Express.
Police swiftly apprehended 15 individuals in connection with the crime, including a Scheduled Caste member who had threatened the residents to vacate their land. The incident took place around 6:45 PM in Krishnanagar Mahadalita Barangay under Mufasil Police Station.
In response to the grave situation, Nawada District Magistrate Ashutosh Kumar Verma established a special investigation team to thoroughly probe the matter. While the fire spread to approximately 80 Dalit homes, thankfully, no casualties were reported. Firefighters successfully contained the blaze by 11 PM.
The district administration is currently working to provide shelter arrangements for those whose homes were destroyed. Krishna Nagar Mahadalit Colony, an estimated 70 to 80 years old, is home to around 400 people.
