Fact Check: Arson in Nawada in Bihar falsely shared as caste atrocity

Images of burnt huts and people crying are being shared on social media with the claim that the images show the aftermath of members of Ranvir Sena, an alleged militia functioning as a landlord group based in Bihar, setting on fire a village populated by a Dalit community.

A social media user shared the image with the caption, “#Terrible Terrorist organization like Ranvir Sena have once again emerged in Bihar. In Nawada, casteist Jatankwadis set fire to the houses of more than 80 Dalit families. Many people are seriously injured. Bullets were also fired from guns. The mainstream media is silent....” (Archive)

The mainstream media is silent....” (Archive)

SouthCheck found that the claim was false. The arson was the result of a property dispute.

On searching with relevant keywords, we found a report published by ETV Bharat on September 18, 2024. The report suggested that a Mahadalit colony in Nawada district in Bihar was set on fire and the name of the accused was Nandu Paswan. The report hinted that the reason for the arson was a land dispute.

Quoting SP Abhinav Dhiman, Mint also reported that the primary investigation showed that the houses were set ablaze due to a land dispute.

A report by Hindustan Times stated that 15 people were arrested in association with the incident which includes the main accused, Nandu Paswan.

In a tweet by the Nawada Police, SDPO Suneel Kumar stated that around 20 houses were set ablaze due to a property dispute and no one has died in the incident.

SouthCheck also spoke to ASP Amritendu Shekhar Thakur who said that a land dispute between the Manjhis and Paswans caused the violence.

Hence, we can ascertain that the viral claim is false.