Abducted businessman murdered: why law & order is Nitish's biggest challenge

A stark reminder to Bihar Chief Minister about his priorities: a high-profile abduction has ended in a macabre death.

Harishankar Singh, a prominent fertiliser and medicine trader, was out for his routine morning walk on 15 November in Pachrukhi in the state's Siwan district. He has now been found dead.

Singh's decomposing body was found - brutally cut into pieces - by a canal outside a village called Dumra in the same district.

The police reportedly detained and questioned 10 persons and think it could be a revenge killing. Those questioned include a cousin of Singh, who allegedly colluded with some criminals to get him killed over a property feud.

Also read: First high-profile abduction after Bihar polls: Is jungle-raj back?

Whether it was an abduction for ransom or a family strife, one thing is clear: People are no mood for a 'jungle raaj' redux. When the news of the abduction broke, it incensed locals so much that they blocked the National Highway 85 as well as the railway line for hours.

This marked the beginning of Jungle Raj-2 in Bihar; criminals were feeling encouraged after the election results, said Bharatiya Janata Party's Om Prakash Yadav, who represent Siwan in Lok Sabha.

While investigations must continue, the killing has turned the focus on the need for Nitish Kumar to tighten the state's law-and-order machinery.

Also read: Congratulations Nitish Kumar! But here's what we'll be watching you for

The abduction is only one among several incidents of serious breach of law after the Assembly polls. Cases that made headlines include one where the supporters of a Janata Dal (United) legislator threatened to throw a deputy superintendent of police into a river. A senior Congress leader, on the other hand, allegedly rammed his car into 12 people.

Nitish Kumar's decision to keep the home ministry with himself has forced detractors to go slow on him. However, if incidents like these do not come down, the Opposition will be quick to shout 'jungle-raj'. The people of Bihar have reposed a lot of faith in the Grand Alliance. It is time for the chief minister to demonstrate that he will not let them down.

Also read: Here's what you promised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. We will watch you