Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Patna, Jun 12: Panic gripped Bihar’s Arwal district on Thursday after a handwritten pamphlet, allegedly issued by a Maoist outfit, surfaced near Bhagat Singh Chowk — a high-security zone situated close to the Superintendent of Police's office. The note reportedly demanded Rs 5 lakh from a local medical shop owner, threatening bomb attacks or death if the demand wasn't met within five days.
The appearance of the pamphlet in such a strategically important area has raised alarms among the local business community, especially traders in Arwal, Baidrabad, and nearby markets. The threatening message has brought back fears of Maoist resurgence in central Bihar.
According to the police, the pamphlet was quickly removed, and an investigation has been launched. Forensic analysis of the material is underway to determine its origin and authenticity. However, the ease with which it was displayed near the SP office has triggered serious concerns about security lapses.
This incident follows a similar earlier case in which a note demanding levy from traders appeared at the Arwal court complex. That threat, too, failed to result in any arrests or visible security actions, fuelling further anxiety among the public.
Arwal MLA Mahanand Singh criticized the state administration, alleging that the ruling BJP was using fear as a political tool during election season. He accused the government of inaction and questioned how such a serious threat went unnoticed in a heavily patrolled area.
"This is not just a security failure but a deliberate attempt to instill fear among the people," Singh charged. He also alleged that certain Maoist elements enjoy covert protection from political figures in the ruling party.
The local police station's SHO confirmed the incident, stating the pamphlet likely appeared overnight. “We received the information on Thursday morning and launched a probe immediately. Locals are advised not to panic as security has been tightened across vulnerable areas,” he said.
The chilling warning has reignited discussions around the growing presence of Maoist influence in parts of Bihar and exposed potential weaknesses in the state’s law and order machinery.