The Bihar government is facing intense public and political backlash over its handling of the funeral of BSF Sub-Inspector Mohammed Imteyaz, a 53-year-old paratrooper from Saran district who was killed in action in J&K’s RS Pura sector on May 10.

When his body arrived at Patna Airport on May 12, a viral video showed Imteyaz’s family pushing a trolley with his luggage, allegedly without assistance. The video led to widespread condemnation online, with many questioning the absence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and accusing the state of showing indifference to a martyr’s sacrifice.

  • BSF Protocol: As per BSF rules, funerals for personnel killed in action are conducted with full military honours. However, there’s no protocol requiring CM presence at such events—such appearances are symbolic, not obligatory.
  • Ceremonial Honours:
    • J&K L-G Manoj Sinha led the wreath-laying ceremony in Jammu.
    • At Patna airport, BSF personnel were present, and a guard of honour was given.
    • Bihar Minister Shravan Kumar, BJP state chief Dilip Jaiswal, and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav were all in attendance.
  • Family’s Account:
    • Son Mohammad Imran said they waited over 30 minutes at the airport and eventually had to move the luggage themselves.
    • The family arranged their own transport.
    • BSF did assist in loading luggage onto the truck carrying the body.
  • Imteyaz’s son Emdad, preparing for UPSC, said: “His dream was to see me as an IAS officer. That’s my goal now.”
  • His funeral saw thousands in attendance, with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Shaheed Imteyaz Amar Rahein”.
  • CM Nitish Kumar visited Narayanpur village on May 13, three days after Imteyaz’s death:
    • Handed over a ₹50 lakh cheque.
    • Announced cremation with police honours, a memorial gate, and naming a road stretch after the martyr.
    • Accompanied by Deputy CM Choudhary, ministers, and senior officials.
  • Villagers, however, expressed anger over the delay, particularly the last-minute road repairs ahead of CM’s visit.

    “The CM came only days later. Even our MP hasn’t visited,” said neighbour Mohammad Kajuddin.

  • District Magistrate Aman Samir denied allegations of state neglect.
  • BSF PRO Jai Prakash Yadav has been contacted for further clarification.

While official protocols were followed and financial aid provided, public perception of government indifference, compounded by symbolic lapses and delayed gestures, has overshadowed the formal honours—raising broader questions about how India’s heroes are treated after they make the ultimate sacrifice.

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