New Delhi, Nov 6: Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday strongly addressed the burka controversy and claims of Sharia law during the first phase of voting in the Bihar Assembly elections, emphasising that India has its own Constitution.

Speaking after casting his vote at polling booth number 43 at Middle School Barahiya Number-2, Singh emphasised that India follows its own Constitution and that religious customs cannot override identification or election procedures.

Singh, who arrived early and was the first voter at his booth, said, “…I showed that the Anganwadi worker was here regarding the burka issue. The Election Commission has made proper arrangements and established rules stating that if someone objects, the person should lift their burka for identification. When people go to make an Aadhaar card, there’s no mention of Sharia law. When they go for a reservation or to the airport, there’s no Sharia law there either. It’s only here that some claim Sharia law applies. This is not Pakistan. This is India. India has its own Constitution, and that is what will be followed.”

The Union Minister also addressed cultural and religious themes, reiterating the importance of temple construction in India. He stated, “If temples are not built here, where will they be built… in Pakistan!”, highlighting his belief that the country’s Sanatan identity must be preserved.

Giriraj Singh expressed confidence in the NDA’s prospects in the Bihar elections, claiming the alliance would repeat or even surpass its 2010 electoral performance.

The first phase of polling for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections began at 7 a.m. across 18 districts, covering 121 constituencies with over 3.75 crore voters eligible to cast their votes. Polling stations have been fortified with unprecedented security arrangements, including police and paramilitary forces deployed across sensitive and hyper-sensitive booths.

Voters in Singh’s constituency and across the state are reportedly focused on development, education, and employment, while security and electoral fairness remain key priorities. Singh’s early presence at the polling booth, along with his outspoken remarks, underlined the political intensity and cultural debates surrounding this election phase.

Voting for the first phase continues until 6 p.m., while in Naxal-affected constituencies it will conclude at 5 p.m.

A 53-year-old habitual offender was arrested by the MHB Police and identified as Bapi Ratan Bhattacharya. He was accused of stealing women’s purses and valuables from busy supermarkets repeatedly. Bhattacharya, dubbed a ‘serial snatcher’ by the police, was apprehended in Mira Road on Saturday after weeks of investigation.

In a statement given by the cops to Media, Bhattacharya would exploit the chaos of crowded shopping areas, especially popular D Mart outlets, to discreetly lift purses and bags placed in shopping trolleys. Most of his victims were women distracted while shopping. Investigators revealed that Bhattacharya had been involved in more than 10 similar thefts across various supermarket branches in Mumbai and nearby areas.

His latest crime came to light after a Dahisar West resident filed a complaint stating her purse had been stolen while she was shopping with her two-year-old son at D Mart, Kandarpada. The stolen bag contained cash, ATM cards, and important documents. Within minutes, ₹20,000 was withdrawn from her husband’s account using one of the stolen cards.

Following the complaint, police teams led by DCP Sandeep Jadhav (Zone XI), Senior Inspector Harish Gavli, and PSI Nilesh Patil analysed CCTV footage and used technical surveillance to trace Bhattacharya’s movements. The accused was later arrested from Mira Road. During interrogation, he confessed to multiple thefts carried out in a similar fashion across several D Mart branches.

An officer said, “More than ten cases have been registered against Bhattacharya across Mumbai and nearby police stations. Whenever a theft is reported at a supermarket, his name is the first to come up. We have already solved two pending cases after his arrest.”

The accused has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Information Technology Act, police said, adding that further investigations are underway to identify his other offences and potential accomplices.

Patna, Nov 5: A day before the first phase of voting for the Assembly elections, Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar on Wednesday said that all preparations for the upcoming polls have been completed to ensure the polls are conducted peacefully and smoothly across the state.

DGP Vinay Kumar said the state police and administration are fully committed to maintaining law and order during the election process. He also appealed to the youth of Bihar to strengthen democracy by actively exercising their right to vote.

Speaking to Media, DGP Vinay Kumar said, “All preparations for the elections have been completed to conduct the polls peacefully. I also want to urge the youth of Bihar to come forward and make democracy stronger by using their voting rights responsibly.”

The DGP warned that anyone found involved in creating violence or any kind of disturbance during the polling process would face strict legal action.

“If anyone is found involved in violence or undesirable activity, they will not be spared. FIRs are being registered against all such offenders because no one is above the law,” he told Media.

Kumar further urged young voters not to be misled by anti-social elements.

“I request the youth not to fall into the trap of those who want to disrupt peace. Strengthen democracy by voting. The administration stands firmly with the people. If anyone faces any problem while casting their vote, they can directly contact us. Our helpline numbers have been made public for this purpose,” he added.

When asked about the FIR filed against Union Minister Lalan Singh for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct, the DGP said, “The Model Code of Conduct is known to everyone. If anyone disobeys it, an FIR is filed against them. The entire police and administrative team are working to ensure its strict implementation.”

Highlighting the preventive measures taken by the police, Kumar said, “If anyone attempts to create an undesirable situation or engage in violence, they will be arrested under preventive detention laws and released only after signing a bond. This year alone, around two lakh people have been arrested under such preventive measures.”

He added that special attention has been given to ensuring adequate deployment of security forces.

“Earlier, 1,500 companies of security personnel were allotted for the two phases of the elections. In the past six to seven days, an additional 150 companies of police personnel have been deployed, mainly in the districts going to polls in the second phase. The Dial 112 emergency service will remain fully functional, and citizens facing any issues can reach out immediately. Our social media monitoring cells are also active to track and counter misinformation,” he said.

The DGP also revealed that the police have taken strong action against those involved in criminal activities related to the elections.

“Anyone involved in criminal acts that attempt to disrupt the election process will face a speedy trial. In the past 25 to 30 days, around 800 accused individuals have been arrested. We will ensure that their cases are prioritised and convictions are achieved within two months. The Election Commission of India has also directed that such cases be given top priority,” he noted.

Reiterating his appeal to voters, Kumar said, “I appeal to every voter in the state to come out and vote without fear. Bihar is the mother of democracy, and it is our responsibility to protect its dignity. The youth must play a leading role in maintaining peace and harmony. If anyone notices anti-social activities, they should inform the authorities immediately. Strict action will be taken against those trying to disturb peace or spread violence.”

He further added that a few incidents of disturbances had been recorded, and the CID was investigating them.

“Such anti-social elements are being identified through videography. After the election, they will be sent to jail. Those who misuse weapons will face strict punishment. No one will be spared if they think they can escape by indulging in such acts,” Kumar added.

The voting for the Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases — November 6 and November 11, and the counting is scheduled for November 14. After the Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the 243-member Assembly, the Model Code of Conduct is currently in force across the state. Polling will be conducted in 121 constituencies in the first phase and 122 constituencies in the second phase.