Cop's comment on farmers and supari killings deepens law-and-order row in Bihar

A comment by a senior Bihar Police officer has sparked widespread outrage, dragging the state government into another law-and-order row.

Kundan Krishnan, Additional Director General (Law & Order), told the media last week that "most murders in Bihar take place in April, May, and June" because "farmers have no work during these months and engage in supari killings." Krishnan, a 1994-batch Bihar cadre IPS officer, appeared to suggest a link between seasonal agricultural downtime and contract killings.

The remark triggered sharp criticism across the political spectrum. Even NDA allies joined the opposition in condemning the statement. Union minister Chirag Paswan called it "unfortunate."


"Indirectly calling our food-provider farmers murderers is not only an insult to their dignity and honour but also a disrespect to their sacrifice and hard work. Instead of cracking down on criminals, Bihar Police seem more focused on making unnecessary statements," Paswan told ET.

The controversy deepened as it coincided with another chilling crime in Patna, where assailants stormed a reputed hospital and killed a criminal who was being treated on parole.

Facing intense backlash, Krishnan on Saturday released a video apologising to farmers.