A Jan Sunwai (public hearing) organised by the All India Students Association (AISA) and the All India Progressive Women’s Association (AIPWA) under the banner of the “Beti Bachao–Nyay Yatra” (Save Daughters-Justice March) was held February 3 at Buddha Smriti Park in Patna. At the public hearing, a charge sheet was presented against the Bihar government, accusing it of complete failure in ensuring the safety of girls and of protecting criminals involved in crimes against women.
The Jan Sunwai focused particularly on the NEET student case, where speakers noted that the administrative machinery was actively working to shield the culprits. It was stated that the role of the government and police in the case is highly questionable and that the victim’s family is being denied justice.
Addressing the gathering, AIPWA General Secretary Meena Tiwari said that the government which raises the slogan of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has today turned into a government that protects the murderers and rapists of daughters. She said this is no longer a hidden truth but a bitter reality. Referring to the Shambhu and Perfect Girls Hostel cases, she noted that the administration worked openly to destroy evidence, intimidate witnesses, and protect influential accused persons.
Member of the Legislative Council Comrade Shashi Yadav said that while the government boasts of women empowerment in the Governor’s address, incidents of violence against women and students are continuously rising across the state. She stated that the BetiBachao–Nyay Yatra will raise the voice for women’s safety and dignity across Bihar, starting from the Magadh region.
Former Chairperson of the Bihar State Women’s Commission Manju Prakash said that women are born with the right to freedom and dignity, but when they assert their rights, they are targeted at every level. She said such conditions will no longer be tolerated and asserted that freedom is a fundamental right.
Several women activists, social activists, writers, and representatives of student and youth organisations also spoke at the Jan Sunwai. Prominent speakers included AISA state president Preeti Kumari, AIPWA young leader Vandana Prabha, AISA leader Saba Afrin, AIPF convenor Kamlesh Sharma, and Afsha Jabeen. The programme was conducted by AISA state joint secretary Kumar Divyam.
Artists of the Jan Sanskriti Manch presented revolutionary songs calling for social change and resistance.
The jury, comprising women activist Roopam Mishra, social activist Asharfi Sada, and Manju Prakash, stated that it has been conclusively established that the government has not only failed to ensure the safety of daughters but is actively protecting criminals. They said rapists are receiving political protection, attempts were made to destroy evidence, the hostel operator was not taken on police remand, and the police initially denied the occurrence of rape. This, they said, proves that the government itself stands in the dock.
The Beti Bachao–Nyay Yatra will begin from Jehanabad on February 4 and will pass through various districts before culminating in a massive march to the Bihar Assembly on February 10, 2026.
