Jyoti Manjhi, a candidate from the NDA alliance and a member of the Hindustani Awam Morcha party, was attacked with bricks while returning from an election campaign in Barachatti assembly constituency of Gaya district, Bihar. The incident took place near Sulabatta intersection when three unidentified men on a motorcycle threw bricks at her vehicle. One brick struck her directly in the chest, causing injuries. Jyoti Manjhi is the current legislator from Barachatti and is related to Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, being his daughter-in-law's relative. After the attack, she was rushed to a nearby government hospital at 12 Chakki, where doctors provided initial treatment. Considering the severity of her condition, medical staff referred her to Magadh Medical College Hospital for advanced care. The assailants fled the scene immediately after the attack. Police from multiple stations arrived at the location and began investigation. They set up roadblocks to catch the attackers who were reported to be riding a motorcycle. Jyoti Manjhi was traveling in a convoy of approximately ten vehicles when the attack occurred. Supporters and local residents have called this incident a political conspiracy, demanding swift arrest of the culprits. This attack comes just one week after another HAM party candidate, Anil Singh from Tikari assembly seat, was attacked and suffered a broken arm. The repeated attacks on HAM party candidates have raised concerns about safety during the election period. Police have launched a manhunt for the three attackers while supporters continue to pressure authorities for quick action.
Attack Details and Immediate Response
The attack on Jyoti Manjhi occurred near Sulabatta intersection in Barachatti when she was returning from an election campaign. Three men riding a motorcycle threw bricks at her vehicle, with one brick hitting her chest directly. She was traveling in a convoy of approximately ten vehicles at the time of the incident. The attackers quickly fled from the scene after carrying out the assault. Witnesses reported that the assailants appeared to have planned the attack carefully. Local supporters immediately rushed to help the injured legislator. She was first taken to the 12 Chakki government hospital where doctors examined her injuries. After providing initial medical treatment, the doctors decided to refer her to Magadh Medical College Hospital due to the seriousness of her condition. Police from different stations reached the location promptly after receiving information about the attack. They began setting up checkpoints and roadblocks to prevent the attackers from escaping the area. The investigation was launched immediately to identify and capture the three motorcycle-riding assailants.
Pattern of Attacks on HAM Candidates
This attack on Jyoti Manjhi is not an isolated incident targeting HAM party members during the current election period. Just one week earlier, another HAM party candidate, Anil Singh, who is contesting from the Tikari assembly constituency, faced a similar life-threatening attack that resulted in his arm being broken. The repeated targeting of HAM party candidates has created serious concerns about the safety and security environment during the election campaign. Local residents and political observers are viewing these incidents as part of a larger political conspiracy aimed at intimidating opposition candidates. The timing of both attacks, coming so close to each other during the active campaign period, has raised questions about whether these are coordinated efforts. Supporters of the affected candidates have been vocal in demanding immediate arrest of those responsible. They are also calling for enhanced security measures for all candidates during the remaining campaign period. The police are under pressure to demonstrate effective action by catching the culprits quickly and ensuring such incidents do not recur.
Jyoti Manjhi's Political Background
Jyoti Manjhi is the sitting legislator from the Barachatti assembly constituency in Gaya district. She is contesting the current election as the NDA alliance candidate representing the Hindustani Awam Morcha party. Her political connection includes being the samdhaan (co-mother-in-law) of Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who leads the HAM party. This family connection to a senior national politician adds significance to the attack on her. She has been actively involved in election campaigning, traveling across her constituency to meet voters and hold public meetings. On the day of the attack, she had completed a campaign tour and was returning with her team when the assailants targeted her vehicle. Her supporters describe her as a dedicated public representative who has worked for the development of Barachatti. The attack has shocked her supporters who gathered at the hospital after hearing about the incident. Political leaders from various parties have condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act. The incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by candidates, especially women, during election campaigns in the region.
Security Concerns During Election Period
The attack on Jyoti Manjhi has highlighted serious questions about candidate security during the election period in Bihar. Despite being a sitting legislator and traveling with a convoy of ten vehicles, she became a target of violence. This incident demonstrates that even prominent candidates with visible presence face threats. Local people have expressed concern that if sitting legislators are not safe during campaigns, it creates a dangerous precedent. The fact that attackers managed to approach the convoy and escape without immediate capture has raised questions about security arrangements. Police have launched an intensive search operation, but the delay in apprehending the suspects has frustrated supporters. Political analysts suggest these attacks might be attempts to influence voter sentiment or intimidate opposition candidates. The authorities are facing demands to increase security for all candidates participating in the election. Enhanced patrolling and rapid response mechanisms are being called for to prevent similar incidents. The Election Commission may need to review security protocols for candidates during campaign activities. Such violent incidents undermine the democratic process and create fear among candidates and their supporters.
Source: Link