In the shadows of what many call Bihar's 'Jungle Raj', the tragic story of B Biswas, a senior IAS officer, unfolded with a grim end. Biswas passed away due to kidney failure at Raj Hospital in Ranchi on the morning of August 13, 2002, at the age of 53. Originally serving in the 1982 Bihar cadre, he was later allocated to the Jharkhand cadre after the state was divided.

Biswas had been grappling with liver cirrhosis, and sources from the hospital indicated that his medical condition was severe. In a desperate attempt to improve his chances, he was sent to New Delhi by the state chief secretary for advanced treatment. Sadly, his condition worsened, leading to his return and subsequent readmission to Raj Hospital on July 28, where he eventually succumbed to his illness.

The last months of his life were shadowed not only by health issues but also by a stark financial crisis, as he had not received his salary for the last seven months. This financial neglect added an intense strain on his family, already burdened by his failing health and the looming threats that echoed the lawlessness of Bihar's political landscape.

Before his health declined, Biswas and his family were at the center of a menacing scandal that epitomized the dangerous political climate of Bihar. They were forced to flee their home due to threats after his wife courageously filed a complaint against Mrityunjay Yadav, son of RJD politician Hemlata Yadav. She accused him of a serious assault on her dignity, a charge that reverberated through the corridors of power, instigating fears that led them into hiding. The police later escorted them back to Patna, where an FIR was registered. After a prolonged legal battle shrouded in the state's notorious 'Jungle Raj', the accused were finally convicted.

In the aftermath of Biswas's death, amidst the murkiness and chaos that often pervaded the state's administration, the Jharkhand chief secretary extended a lifeline to the bereaved family by announcing his widow a job.

In the tangled web of Bihar's 'jungle raj' that become synonymous with lawlessness and disorder, the influence of bureaucrats often eclipses that of politicians themselves due to their crucial role in implementing government schemes. However, during the darkest days of Bihar's political landscape, even these stalwart figures of administration were not immune to the pervasive threat of violence and corruption that defined the era.

Champa Vishwas, the wife of a respected IAS officer, found herself at the heart of a scandal that resonated with chilling echoes across the nation. The ordeal she endured is a stark testament to the perils faced by those entangled in the murky depths of Bihar's power struggles. Her harrowing experience, where she accused Mritunjay Yadav, a known associate of former Chief Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav, of repeated assaults, was not just a personal tragedy but a public outrage that jolted the entire country from its complacency.

IN THE EYE OF THE STORM: Mritunjay dismisses the charges as a conspiracy.

Amidst the shadowy corridors of power where crime has long intertwined with political machinations, the accusations laid by Champa Vishwas shed light on the grim realities faced by those who dare to confront the entrenched systems of power. In Bihar, where political violence, including rapes and murders by politicians and their kin, has ceased to startle the populace, this particular incident managed to penetrate the hardened exterior of public apathy.

Mritunjay Yadav, ensconced in the protective embrace of high-ranking political connections, boldly dismissed the charges against him as mere fabrications woven into a conspiracy. His assertion seemed to reflect a broader, unsettling confidence often displayed by those shielded by political clout, further intensifying the aura of impunity that surrounds influential figures in Bihar's political arena.

The allegations by Champa Vishwas against Mritunjay Yadav—of assaulting not just her but several of her relatives over the course of two years in Patna—paint a grim portrait of a system riddled with abuse and exploitation at the hands of those in power. These claims stirred a wave of consternation throughout the state, challenging the desensitized public to reevaluate the unchecked brutalities that have long been part and parcel of their governance.

The distressing allegations of Champa Biswas, which might have otherwise been buried in police files or forgotten, gained significant attention due to her proactive step of writing a letter to the state Governor, Sunder Singh Bhandari. In this letter, she demanded action against the accused, shedding light on a troubling narrative of abuse.

Champa, the wife of B.B. Biswas—a 1982 batch IAS officer who at the time served as the director of social security in the state's Labour Department—reported a horrific sequence of events involving Mritunjay Yadav, aged 27, and his associates. Her detailed account accused them of raping not only her but also her mother, her two maidservants, her sister-in-law, and her niece, Kalyani. The complaint outlined a chilling scenario of "sexual exploitation with criminal coercion and intimidation, rapes with violence, seduction, and inducements through promises of government jobs."

Adding to the severity of her ordeal, Champa, then 30 years old, revealed she had to undergo an abortion and later opted for sterilization to avoid further pregnancies from repeated rapes. The disappearance of Kalyani and the two maidservants sparked fears that they may have been murdered or driven to suicide due to the trauma.

In response to Champa’s courageous plea, Governor Bhandari promptly referred the matter to the Union Home Ministry for urgent action, and at the state level, DGP (administration) Niyaz Ahmed directed the police to conduct a comprehensive inquiry.

Despite being a high-ranking IAS officer, B.B. Biswas was unable to protect his family from the turmoil and lawlessness often associated with Bihar's 'jungle raj', particularly under the influence of the RJD. The plight of his family became a stark illustration of the immense power wielded by certain political figures. In response to the threats and dangers they faced, Biswas relocated his entire family to Delhi. His wife, Champa Biswas, disclosed later that she had only come to understand the full extent of the risk to her husband's life well after they had moved.

Compounding the issue was the involvement of Mrityunjay Yadav, whose mother, Hemlata Yadav, was not only an MLA but also the president of the 'Bihar Social Welfare Advisory Board'. This connection further highlighted the intersection of political power and personal vendetta, giving the Yadavs considerable influence in the state.

The gravity of the allegations soon attracted political discourse, with the case taking on significant political overtones. Mrityunjay, a notable Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) activist and author of a book praising Laloo Prasad Yadav, became a central figure in this controversy. The involvement of the opposition party, BJP, added another layer to the unfolding drama. The BJP, particularly through the efforts of Sushil Kumar Modi, leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, took up Champa's cause assertively.

Although the complaint was filed in early June, the matter burst into the public sphere only after Modi's press conference on August 8 in Patna. Modi's comments at the conference were particularly scathing: "This just shows that even women belonging to respectable and influential families are helpless against RJD workers, who know they can get away with anything." His remarks underscored the perceived impunity enjoyed by RJD affiliates and spotlighted the systemic failure to protect individuals from political exploitation.

This press conference by Modi not only brought national attention to Champa’s distress but also intensified the scrutiny of RJD's influence in Bihar, interweaving her personal tragedy with broader political implications.

The scandal involving Champa Biswas and Mrityunjay Yadav continued to escalate as Mrityunjay fervently denied the allegations, labeling them a conspiracy aimed at maligning him and his mother, Hemlata Yadav. In his defense, Mrityunjay further accused B.B. Biswas, Champa's husband, of negligence and absenteeism in his duties as an IAS officer, suggesting that the charges were motivated by personal grievances rather than factual events.

Support for Mrityunjay came from within his political circle as well, with Mohammad Namtullah, the Chief Whip of the RJD in the Assembly at the time, defending him. Namtullah, claiming close personal knowledge of Hemlata's family, insisted that Mrityunjay was incapable of such actions, echoing a controversial sentiment previously expressed by Mulayam Singh Yadav during his son Akhilesh Yadav's government: "They are boys, they make mistakes." This attempt to trivialize the gravity of the accusations by attributing them to mere youthful indiscretion mirrored a broader pattern of dismissive attitudes toward serious allegations in the political landscape.

The defense, however, was heavily shadowed by Mrityunjay's problematic past, which included a prior arrest three years before this incident. He had been charged with the sexual exploitation of another politician’s daughter, adding a layer of credibility to the current allegations against him. During this period, his mother, Hemlata, had been a close associate of Lalu Yadav for eight years, highlighting the deep political connections that may have influenced perceptions and responses to the unfolding scandal.

Despite his stature as an IAS officer, B.B. Biswas found himself unable to shield his wife and relatives from the ruthless exploitation that has marked Bihar's political landscape. The ordeal of Champa Biswas, as detailed in her complaint, illuminates the depth of their vulnerability. Overwhelmed by the danger and threats facing his family, Biswas relocated them to Delhi in November. It was not until July of the previous year that he fully grasped the extent of the abuses suffered by his wife over two years, leaving him deeply disturbed and feeling helpless. Champa described her husband as "in a fix and very perturbed and helpless," a statement that highlights the dire circumstances that compelled them to seek safety away from Bihar.

What were the allegations?

Living in a government quarter on Bailey Road in Patna, the Biswas family's proximity to power did little to protect them. Champa reported a chilling sequence of events where an officer and his wife, neighbors of the Biswas family, facilitated her abuse. They lured her into their flat where Mrityunjay Yadav and Hemlata were waiting. In a horrifying turn, Champa was locked in a room alone with Mrityunjay, where she was raped.

The aftermath of the assault brought further intimidation, as Hemlata threatened Champa with dire consequences if she spoke out. She was told her family members would be harmed and compromising photographs of her would be disseminated, adding layers of fear and coercion to the already traumatic experience.

The situation escalated further when Mrityunjay, alongside his mother and a group equipped with a camera, forcibly sought Champa out under the guise of marriage. During this coerced encounter, Hemlata extolled Mrityunjay's attributes and their family's status, pressuring Champa to accept him as a husband. The group cruelly highlighted the age of Champa's husband, insinuating that aligning with their powerful family through marriage would be beneficial, especially with the prospect of Hemlata attaining a ministerial post and promises of elevating B.B. Biswas to the presidency of a significant position. Amidst this manipulation, Champa was subjected to another rape, a clear abuse of power designed to force her compliance through fear and the allure of political gain.

In a detailed account that reveals the extent of her harrowing experiences, Champa Biswas's complaint discloses further instances of abuse that extended to her immediate family. The ordeal worsened in December 1995, when Mrityunjay Yadav committed further invasive acts. On one such occasion, he forcibly entered the kitchen where Champa’s mother was present, proceeded to hug and kiss her against her will, which terrified her to the extent that she urged Champa to vacate their home along with the family to escape further violations. The abuse extended to Champa's niece, Kalyani, who Mrityunjay also raped. Additionally, he manipulated the household staff to administer drugs to Champa, rendering her unconscious and more vulnerable to his advances.

The severity of the situation prompted Champa to reach out to the National Human Rights Commission. In her desperate plea for justice, she accused a prominent political figure in Bihar, referred to as the "messiah of Jungle Raj," of raping her. She expressed frustration and disappointment with the police, claiming they altered her statements in court, distorting the truth of her experiences. The fear instilled by these continued threats and violations was so profound that after moving to Delhi, the Biswas family felt compelled to change their residence 20 times in an attempt to evade further harm. Furthermore, Mrityunjay's associates were also implicated, as Champa reported that they too participated in raping her, highlighting a network of complicity and abuse.

In response to the avalanche of accusations, Mritunjay Yadav, the eldest of three sons of Hemlata Yadav—who held significant clout as the chairperson of Bihar's Social Welfare Advisory Board and a former MLA—expressed shock at the allegations. He staunchly denied all claims, framing the situation as a political maneuver designed to undermine him and his mother. He argued that the allegations were fabricated to cover up for Biswas's unauthorised absences from his job. "It is a political conspiracy against me and my mother," he asserted, suggesting that the charges were baseless and constructed merely to malign him and explain away administrative discrepancies.

Despite the severe allegations leveled against Mrityunjay Yadav, key figures within his political party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), maintain a strong belief in his innocence. Mohammed Nemtullah, the RJD chief whip in the Assembly, has expressed his personal trust in the character of Hemlata's family, explicitly stating, "I know Hemlata's family personally. I don't think the boy could have done this." However, this confidence in Mrityunjay might be considered questionable given his prior brushes with the law. Notably, three years prior, he was detained by the police for allegedly molesting the daughter of another state politician. His significant position as the then chief minister's biographer presumably allowed him to wield enough influence to avoid a formal complaint being registered against him.

Mrityunjay's own dismissal of these past allegations adds another layer of complexity to the current charges. He rationalized his detention by claiming, "I was told by the policemen they were providing me safety by keeping inside the police station." However, this explanation has not sufficed to dispel the doubts surrounding his actions, especially given the ongoing accusations from Champa Biswas.

Critics and skeptics, however, question the timing and details of Champa's accusations, probing why there was a considerable delay in reporting the incidents. Questions are raised about the feasibility of multiple women being assaulted without any of them alerting authorities for two years. Skeptics also wonder why B.B. Biswas, despite his significant bureaucratic position, failed to file a complaint until more than a year after becoming aware of the alleged crimes.

Further complicating the narrative are suggestions from some police sources that Champa and Mrityunjay might have been involved in a consensual relationship initially, which could have soured. It is speculated that Mrityunjay might have turned to coercion and intimidation when Champa began to resist his demands that she entertain his friends. This theory is partly supported by the distressing measures Champa reportedly took, including undergoing an abortion and later sterilization, which some interpret as indicative of a prolonged and complex relationship.

Hemlata Yadav, a close confidante of Laloo Prasad Yadav for the past eight years, has put forth a narrative suggesting that B.B. Biswas compelled Champa to file the complaint as a diversion from his own professional misconduct. According to Hemlata, the decision by the Biswas family to leave Patna was not solely to escape the traumatic circumstances at home but also to evade an ongoing inquiry against B.B. Biswas himself.

This inquiry was reportedly initiated after allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in the recruitment of approximately 250 individuals in the department overseen by Biswas. The silence of B.B. Biswas on these matters has puzzled his superiors, including State Chief Secretary S.N. Biswas, who has publicly expressed his astonishment at Biswas's failure to report the incidents involving his wife to state authorities. This silence raises questions about the motivations and timing of the accusations, fueling speculation about the true dynamics at play.

The complexity of the situation is deepened by the political implications of the case. While the truth of the allegations remains to be fully uncovered pending the outcome of official inquiries, the opposition parties have seized the opportunity to use the scandal to their advantage, likely impacting public perception and political alignments. For Mrityunjay, who aspires to emulate his political idol, the allegations could be a double-edged sword. In his own words, "In Bihar's politics, such allegations can even prove advantageous." This statement reflects a cynical view of the political landscape in Bihar, where even serious accusations can be manipulated to serve political ends.

Indeed, the political and personal implications of the Biswas case illustrate the often murky intersection of power, corruption, and personal vendettas in Bihar's political arena. As the inquiries progress and more details emerge, the true extent of the injustices and manipulations will hopefully become clearer, offering a chance for accountability and rectification in a region long plagued by political and bureaucratic scandals.

The distressing story of B.B. Biswas and his wife Champa culminates in a deeply tragic conclusion, marked by personal suffering and public scandal. BB Biswas, once a respected IAS officer, passed away in conditions of severe financial hardship, his reputation marred by the controversies that surrounded him and his family. His final days were spent in a state of penury and social disgrace, a stark departure from his former life of service and dedication. The allegations and subsequent scandal not only impacted his professional life but also cast a long shadow over his personal well-being and dignity.

After the death of her husband, Champa Vishwas found herself unable to continue residing in Bihar, Delhi, or Jharkhand—the places that were once her home but also the settings of her immense personal turmoil. Seeking solace and perhaps a measure of safety, Champa chose to live a life shrouded in anonymity far from the places that held such painful memories. She relocated to Kolkata, where she now lives a life far removed from the public eye, a stark contrast to the highly publicized and scrutinized events that once defined her existence.

The sad end of BB Biswas and the quiet retreat of Champa into anonymity serve as poignant reminders of the personal costs associated with political scandals and personal vendettas in Bihar’s volatile political landscape. Their story is a somber reflection on the impact of power, corruption, and exploitation on individual lives, highlighting the profound and lasting consequences that such conflicts can have on those caught in their wake.

BB Biswas IAS officer with his wife who was harassed by politician in his House at Bihar Bureaucrat News Portrait