Bihar Govt Establishes Cell to Track Contract Killers

Rapid Summary

• Bihar Police’s Special Task Force (STF) announced the formation of a new cell to monitor contract killers and maintain a data bank on them, including profiles with physical descriptions, photographs, addresses, and activity tracking post-incarceration.
• Police identified 1,290 individuals who acquired proceeds through crime; plans are in place to seize their assets soon.
• The state police proposed setting up Fast Track Courts (FTCs) for expedited trials of cases involving heinous crimes.
• A separate “narcotics & prohibition division” is being considered to address issues related to opium and other psychotropic substances among youth in the state.
• ADG Kundan Krishnan remarked that recent crime statistics do not indicate an increase in the average crime rate. He urged against misinformation demoralizing police efforts during this election year.
• In connection with industrialist Gopal Khemka’s July 4 murder:

– SHO Rajesh Kumar has been suspended for neglecting duty after delays were reported in local police response at the incident site.
– Two suspects have been arrested: Umesh Yadav (shooter) and Ashok Sao (mastermind), who allegedly paid Rs 4 lakh for Khemka’s murder.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The Bihar Police’s proactive measures-setting up a dedicated cell for contract killers and proposing legal interventions like Fast Track Courts-signify serious attempts at enhancing law enforcement infrastructure. This step might add openness while enabling more efficient handling of organized crime. Similarly, expanding narcotics control could help curb substance abuse among youth-a key issue affecting social stability.The suspension of SHO Rajesh Kumar underscores accountability within the force but also highlights systemic gaps that delayed action during critical incidents like Gopal Khemka’s murder. Such steps may restore public trust if consistently enforced across all levels of law enforcement.

Given political sensitivities amidst an election year, ADG krishnan’s emphasis on curbing disinformation appears crucial in maintaining morale within security services while ensuring strategic focus remains intact despite external pressures. These initiatives collectively point toward long-term governance improvements but require effective implementation to significantly impact both immediate criminal activity control and broader societal concerns.