Lawless District in Bihar: How IPS Vikram Singh Rathore Ended the Reign of a Notorious Politician

Bihar, India – There exists a district in Bihar where, for years, the rule of law was overshadowed by the dominance of a local politician, Birju Yadav, also known as Raja Bhaiya. In Araria, the most backward district of the state, Birju Yadav wielded such power that his word was considered law. Police officers and government officials saluted him, and the general public feared to speak against him.

The situation escalated when Sarju Yadav, Birju’s brother, attempted to rape a girl in broad daylight. When villagers protested, Sarju threatened them with a revolver, forcing them to flee. The incident sparked outrage, and both media and the public pressured the police to arrest Sarju. However, none of the officers dared to confront Birju’s family.

The case reached the office of the DIG (Deputy Inspector General), who ordered an officer to arrest Sarju. But even the officer was too intimidated to approach Birju’s bungalow. Frustrated, the DIG himself led a police force to the politician’s residence. There, Birju Yadav slapped the DIG in front of everyone and declared that no law could touch him or his brother.

The humiliation of the DIG became a turning point. Determined to restore order, the DIG brought in a fearless and sharp IPS officer, Vikram Singh Rathore, known for his uncompromising stance against criminals. Rathore, often suspended for his aggressive methods, believed in delivering justice on the spot and speaking the language of the goons.

Upon his appointment, Rathore requested his trusted team, including Inspector Ajit Yadav, SI Dinesh Thakur, two lady constables Savita and Sarita, and constables Ajay and Vijay. With his team assembled, Rathore set out to dismantle Birju Yadav’s reign.

Rathore’s first move was to secure an arrest warrant for Sarju Yadav. He then stormed Birju’s bungalow with his team, arrested Sarju, and publicly paraded him to the police station. When Birju’s goons tried to intervene, Rathore fired warning shots, injuring several and sending the rest fleeing.

Inside the police station, Birju’s lawyer arrived with bail papers, demanding the release of Sarju and other goons. Rathore, unfazed, responded with force, teaching the lawyer and the goons a lesson in respecting law enforcement. When more goons and lawyers tried to pressure the police, Rathore and his team staged dramatic scenes, leading to further arrests and filling the lockup to capacity.

Birju Yadav, desperate, contacted influential politicians and ministers, seeking intervention. The pressure reached Rathore, but he remained firm, stating he would only release the goons if Birju himself came to the station. Eventually, Birju, breaking his own vow never to enter a police station, arrived with his entourage, only to be humiliated and told that the days of his unchecked power were over.

With statements and confessions recorded, Rathore obtained an arrest warrant for Birju Yadav and led a raid on his bungalow. After a fierce confrontation, both Birju and Sarju Yadav were arrested, paraded through the market, and brought to justice. Witnesses, emboldened by Rathore’s actions, testified against the Yadav brothers, leading to their life imprisonment and sentences for their supporters.

The story of IPS Vikram Singh Rathore’s crackdown on lawlessness in Araria has become a symbol of hope for the region. His relentless pursuit of justice restored faith in the legal system and ended the era of fear imposed by Birju Yadav.