Mukesh Sahani, a leader of the Economically Backward Class Mallah community, leads the VIP

Mukesh Sahani, the chief of Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), was in Mumbai when his 69-year-old father, Jitan Sahani, was allegedly murdered at his home in Bihar’s Darbhanga early Tuesday morning, according to the police.

The incident, believed to be a result of either a robbery attempt or personal enmity, occurred around 3:30 am when unidentified assailants reportedly entered Jitan Sahani’s residence in Supaul Bazar. Police suspect a blunt object was used in the attack, which left Jitan with severe injuries, the police said. His mutilated body was found on the bed. While Jitan lived alone, Mukesh stayed in a different house nearby.

“Prima facie, it appears that Jitan Sahani tried to put up resistance. We are looking at all possible angles, including personal enmity. An SIT has already been formed. An FSL [Forensic Science Laboratory] team is reaching the spot,” Jagunath Reddy, Darbhanga Senior Superintendent of Police, told the media.

Political parties in Bihar, including the ruling BJP, condemned the chilling incident, which has sparked panic among local residents. Union Ministers Jitan Ram Manjhi and Chirag Paswan called for a thorough investigation.

“It is a very unfortunate incident and we demand a prompt and thorough investigation with the assurance of speedy trial,” Manjhi said.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav expressed grave concerns about Bihar’s law and order situation.

“One wonders who is safe in Bihar now. We have been talking all along about worsening law and order…,” he added.

RJD spokesperson Shakti Yadav said that the incident has shocked the state. “What is happening in Bihar? Not a day goes by without news of a murder. A mindless government is in power. The system has collapsed,” he said. “May God grant Mukesh Sahani strength to bear this grief.”

Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, Samrat Choudhary, assured that the police were pursuing all leads and would arrest the accused soon. “I want to assure on the behalf of the state government that strict action would be taken. Anyone guilty would be put behind bars. The government stands firmly with Mukesh Sahani ji’s family,” he said.

Mukesh Sahani, a leader of the Economically Backward Class Mallah community, leads the VIP, which was part of the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan coalition in the state and INDIA bloc at the national level. Although his party contested three seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, they did not win any.