Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav has demanded action against Urban Development Minister Jibesh Mishra, a BJP legislator, for allegedly assaulting and abusing a journalist in Darbhanga, while accusing the state government of shielding him.
Addressing the media in Patna Monday, Tejashwi ran a video purportedly showing Mishra losing his temper after a journalist, Divakar Sahni, questioned him about the poor condition of roads and infrastructure in his Jale constituency. Instead of responding to the question, Mishra allegedly grabbed Sahni’s mobile phone, physically assaulted him, and used abusive slurs against him.
“Did such things happen to journalists before 2005? Today, when PM Narendra Modi is visiting Bihar, he should explain when will the innocent journalist get justice? When will the minister be punished…,” he said.
“Are there two types of laws in Bihar, one for ministers and another for common people? Despite the physical assault and verbal abuse, why no FIR is being filed against him?,” Tejashwi said.
He also visited the Singhwara police station in Darbhanga to meet Sahni. “Despite being convicted by a Rajasthan court in case involving the production of fake medicines, he still holds the position of a minister,” Tejashwi said.
Meanwhile, the RJD has announced a demonstration on the issue in Patna on Tuesday. State chief of RJD’s OBC wing Arvind Kumar Sahni said effigies of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Jibesh Mishra will be burnt in Patna.
