As Bihar witnesses a spate of violent crimes, including contract killings and major robberies, the state police has announced several new initiatives aimed at curbing criminal activities. At a press conference on Wednesday, Additional Director General (ADG) Headquarters Kundan Krishnan revealed that the Bihar Police will soon prepare a state-wide database of contract killers to strengthen crime prevention efforts.

A special "Contract Killer Monitoring Cell" has been formed under the Special Task Force (STF) for this purpose. This cell will compile detailed dossiers on known contract killers, including their names, photographs, and addresses, to aid in prompt identification and action in future cases.

Rising Trend of Youth Turning to Crime for Money

The ADG noted with concern that many young individuals in the state are being misled into becoming hired killers. “There’s a need for collective efforts to bring such youth back on the right path,” he said. He also mentioned the formation of a dedicated cell to target criminals from the notorious Kodha gang, especially its Tiwari faction operating out of Begusarai.

Focus on Drugs and Fast-Track Justice

To intensify action against the drug trade, a Narcotics Cell has been established under the Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF). This unit is being reinforced with more officers and improved coordination with local police stations.

In a parallel move to ensure swift punishment for violent crimes, the Bihar Police is pushing to revive fast-track courts across the state. A proposal has already been sent to the Home Department. According to Krishnan, fast-track courts used to deliver 2,000–3,000 life sentences and other harsh penalties annually until 2012-13. Presently, that number has fallen to 500–600 per year.

Crackdown on Criminal Property

The police have identified 1,290 individuals who have allegedly amassed property through illegal means. The process to confiscate these assets is now underway. The ADG also issued a warning: if a minor is found with an illegal weapon or a guardian’s licensed firearm, the guardian or parent could face legal action and imprisonment.

Seasonal Trends in Crime

Addressing concerns about rising crime, ADG Krishnan claimed that overall crime rates have not increased compared to the same period last year. However, he acknowledged that murder rates typically surge between April and June. “This is the time when farmers have less work, so such incidents rise,” he said, attributing the seasonal uptick in violence to economic idleness.

Major Arrests and Preventive Action

The police have already made several high-profile arrests, including suspects in the Danapur jewellery store case, the Tanishq showroom heist in Ara, and the Maharashtra Bank robbery in Samastipur. Dozens of other robberies have reportedly been foiled before they could occur, thanks to STF intelligence efforts. Since January 2025, the STF has arrested over 700 criminals, many of whom were wanted in other states.

Naxalism in Decline

On the Naxalite front, Krishnan claimed that left-wing extremism has been almost entirely wiped out in districts such as Gaya, Aurangabad, Munger, and Jamui. Since January, 82 Naxalites have been arrested. The arrest of Amarjeet Bhokta, a prominent figure, has significantly weakened the remaining Naxalite presence, now confined to a few armed squads in Jamui and Kharagpur.