The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) turned into a “battlefield” last week after a routine meeting spiralled into a fistfight between Shishir Kumar, the son of Patna Mayor Sita Sahu, and Opposition councillors. Police have charged Shishir with assault and “interference with government business”, on a complaint lodged by councillor Jeet Kumar. Hunt is on for Shishir who is said to be absconding.
The July 11 meeting had been convened by Sahu to fast track “contentious” proposals. This was objected to by Municipal Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar, who claimed these projects had been put on hold as they “intended to benefit private interests”. After Sahu insisted that the proposals be passed, Parashar staged a walkout.
A verbal duel between the Mayor and municipal officials followed, with bedlam ensuing as Shishir walked into the meeting, allegedly flanked by bouncers. Opposition councillors objected to Shishir, who is not a part of the PMC, attending the meeting. Unfazed, Shishir entered into a verbal spat with former deputy mayor Vinay Kumar, eventually leading to a physical altercation with councillors opposed to his mother.
Parashar later appealed to Patna District Magistrate Thyagarajan S M that Shishir be banned from PMC meetings. Police said Shishir, who has claimed links with the BJP, had a criminal record, with at least four cases against him, for serious offences like attempted murder and intimidation.
Sahu’s critics and political rivals have alleged that the incident reflected how she was “remote-controlled” by her son, and that it was not the first time Shishir had attended PMC meetings, with armed security, nor the first instance of him “interfering” with municipal work earlier. Sources said a few councillors opposed to Sahu had also written to the DM and Parashar seeking a ban on Shishir attending PMC meetings.
Shishir is believed to be an aspirant for an Assembly seat from Patna in the coming elections, and the July 11 incident was allegedly part of his attempts to build a public profile.
The PMC has 75 councillors, who are officially not affiliated to any political party as municipal corporation polls are not fought on party lines.
Story continues below this ad
However, in a video statement released on Tuesday, Shishir identified himself as a “member of the state BJP working committee” apart from as a “representative of the Mayor”. “The Mayor has initiated a campaign against corruption in the PMC. Any official found indulging in corruption will not be allowed to stay in the state. Once these officers are probed, I will report (to police). I am not guilty just because a case has been filed. I am not afraid and will not bow down before anyone,” he says in the video.
Asked about Shishir’s claims, the BJP said he was “sharing his side of the story and conclusions should not be drawn before hearing all sides”. “A fair trial is possible only when all parties have presented their views. Let us hear all sides,” party spokesperson Manoj Sharma said.
Congress spokesperson Gyan Ranjan Gupta said “all of Bihar knows Shishir has links with the BJP”. “While he is posting videos claiming he is in Patna, police are yet to arrest him. What is stopping police?… Law and order has collapsed. The BJP only wants to exploit the state’s taxpayers for political gains.”
Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma denied any laxity on their part. On July 13, he pointed out, a raid was conducted on Sahu’s Maharajganj residence to arrest Shishir, given “the seriousness of the complaint”.
Story continues below this ad
The raid had triggered protests by Sahu’s supporters, who burnt effigies of Parashar and alleged political vendetta. The SSP said: “The Mayor did not fully cooperate. Further investigation is on and she will be questioned.”
