The year was 1997, often called the “Jungle Raj” in Bihar under Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav’s rule. The story of Padmashree SN Arya, a renowned surgeon from Gaya, epitomises the lawlessness that prevailed.
Dr. SN Narya, the seniormost physician in Gaya, was overjoyed on his birthday when his IPS son-in-law gifted him a brand-new Maruti Esteem. At the time, the Esteem was one of the most prestigious cars, outshining even the Premier Padmini NE model. This car was meant to ease his commute to the clinic, leaving his older Maruti 800 for his wife.
Three days after receiving the car, an MLA from the ruling party arrived at Dr. Narya’s house. Initially, Dr. Narya assumed the MLA had come for a medical consultation. However, the MLA had heard about the new car and expressed a keen interest in it. After a cup of tea, the MLA requested that the car be taken to drive around the city. Trusting the MLA, Dr. Narya agreed.
The MLA drove off with the car and the driver, but the car did not return as expected. Dr. Narya had to use his old Maruti 800 to reach his clinic. By evening, the car was still missing when he returned home after his operations. Concerned, he sent his compounder to the MLA’s local residence, only to learn that the MLA had travelled to Patna with the Esteem.
Dr. Narya’s suspicions grew, and he contacted friends and contacts for help. He called the MLA’s residence in Patna, where he was informed that the MLA had embarked on a week-long tour to Purnia and Katihar. Desperate, he contacted his SP son-in-law, who reassured him and initiated police action. Despite the case’s high-profile nature, the car was not found in Gaya.
Ten days later, the MLA returned. Dr. Narya hurried to his house, only to be met with a warm greeting and a startling revelation. The MLA claimed he had left the car with the driver after reimbursing him for fuel, insinuating that the driver had stolen the car. This added to Dr. Narya’s worries.
With the police investigation yielding no results, a doctor friend from Patna suggested meeting Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. Arrangements were made through Lalu’s doctor, and an appointment was scheduled for 9 am at 1 Anne Marg, the CM’s residence. Dr Narya arrived early at 8 am. As he was escorted inside by Lalu’s doctor, he spotted his gleaming white Esteem parked at the entrance of the bungalow. Summoning all his courage, Dr Narya approached Lalu Prasad Yadav and explained that the car was his. Lalu’s response was characteristic of the era: “Hey, my men must have liked the car and brought it here. Give some money to my men and take your car.” The demanded amount was around 3 lakh rupees.
While resolved, this incident underscored the prevailing lawlessness and arbitrary exercise of power during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure. It highlighted the difficulties even the most prominent and well-connected individuals faced in navigating the chaotic political landscape of Bihar in the late 1990s.
(The story is based on a tweet by Jitendra Pratap Singh)
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