‘Never Felt Safe’: Neeraj Pandey Slams Maithili Thakur’s ‘I Feel Safe In Bihar’ Statement

Writer and lyricist Neeraj Pandey has criticised BJP MLA Maithili Thakur’s statement that she feels safe in Bihar following the molestation and moral policing incident in Jamui, where two teenagers were allegedly stopped and harassed by a group of men.

Pandey, who hails from Bihar’s Buxar, said that people’s experiences of the state can be different. Responding to Thakur’s remarks, he said he “never felt safe” while growing up in Bihar.

Neeraj Pandey Responds To Maithili Thakur

Pandey shared a note on Instagram on Wednesday in response to Thakur’s statement that she felt safe in Bihar.

He wrote that there was not “one Bihar for everyone” and said that not everyone who grew up in the state could say they felt safe.

The writer said that despite having the privilege of being a man, his physical boundaries had been invaded several times while growing up.

Pandey added that the reality of a state or society should be understood by asking people who are on the receiving end of such experiences.

“I was on the receiving end,” he said.

‘Ask The Girl Who Faced The Unfortunate Incident’

Referring to the Jamui incident, Pandey said people should ask the girl who faced the incident about her experience.

He also argued that the Jamui case should not be viewed as an isolated incident and said women’s experiences should also be considered when discussing safety in the state.

Pandey wrote that a person’s homeland is not always a place associated with positive memories and can also be connected to trauma carried through life.

He ended his note by saying that one day he would write down everything that had happened to him, possibly in a book.

What Happened In Jamui?

On September 19, a group of men allegedly stopped two Class X students in Bihar’s Jamui while they were returning from a local tourist spot.

According to the source material, the group made vulgar comments, assaulted the boy and sexually assaulted the girl while the two pleaded for help.

The incident led to criticism of the Bihar government over the state’s law and order situation.

Maithili Thakur’s Statement

Maithili Thakur, the current Member of Legislative Assembly from the Alinagar constituency, said the Jamui incident was not a reflection of the overall safety situation in Bihar.

She had earlier said, “I am a daughter of Bihar, and I feel safe in Bihar.”

The incident subsequently triggered nationwide outrage, following which the Bihar Police formed a Special Investigation Team led by sub-divisional police officer Deepti Monali to track down the suspects.