Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Tejashwi Yadav Challenges Bihar Government Over Alleged Custody Death
Tejashwi Yadav visited the family of a 19-year-old named Roshan Yadav in Madhubani.
Roshan was found hanging in jail on August 10.
Jail and police officials said he died by suicide.
Tejashwi and Roshan’s family questioned that explanation and said he may have been assaulted.
Tejashwi alleged that police beat Roshan and used electric shocks.
He said Bihar’s government was not doing enough to stop crime and police abuse.
He also met the family of Ramnaresh Rai, who was shot while taking a morning walk.
Tejashwi promised to keep protesting and said Bihar should not become a police state.
Tejashwi Yadav accused Bihar’s NDA government of failing to control worsening law and order and alleged rising police brutality.
He met the family of 19-year-old Roshan, also spelled Roushan, Yadav, who was reportedly found hanging in Madhubani Jail on August 10.
Jail authorities and police said Roshan died by suicide, while Tejashwi and the family questioned that account and alleged assault.
Tejashwi alleged that Roshan was beaten and subjected to electric shocks in connection with an Arms Act case.
He also met the family of contractor Ramnaresh Rai in Hajipur and demanded arrests and protection after Rai’s August 13 shooting.
- Who
- RJD leader and Bihar opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav, Roshan Yadav’s family, Bihar police and jail authorities, and the family of slain contractor Ramnaresh Rai.
- What
- Tejashwi alleged police brutality and worsening law and order, questioned the reported suicide of Roshan Yadav in custody, and sought action in Rai’s murder case.
- When
- Roshan was reportedly found hanging on August 10; Ramnaresh Rai was shot on August 13; Tejashwi met the families on August 20. The reports do not specify the year.
- Where
- Madhubani Jail and Madhubani in Bihar; Tejashwi also visited Hajipur and referred to protests in Patna.
- Why
- Tejashwi said he was seeking justice for the families, demanding action against alleged perpetrators, and protesting what he described as government failures on crime and police conduct.
Tejashwi Yadav and the families’ allegations
Police and administration’s account
Cause of Roshan Yadav’s death
Tejashwi Yadav and the families’ allegations
Tejashwi and Roshan’s family questioned the suicide account, cited marks on his body, and alleged that he was killed or died after assault.
Police and administration’s account
Police and jail authorities said Roshan died by suicide after allegedly hanging himself inside Madhubani Jail.
Treatment in custody
Tejashwi Yadav and the families’ allegations
Tejashwi alleged that police beat Roshan inhumanely and subjected him to electric shocks.
Police and administration’s account
The reports provide no detailed police or jail response to these specific allegations.
Bihar’s law and order
Tejashwi Yadav and the families’ allegations
Tejashwi said law and order had completely collapsed, crime was increasing, and the government was failing to control police brutality and criminals.
Police and administration’s account
The reports do not include a response from the Bihar government to these accusations.
- Political figure
- Tejashwi Yadav, RJD national working president and Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly
- Deceased detainee
- Roshan Yadav, also spelled Roushan Yadav, aged 19
- Reported jail incident
- Roshan was allegedly found hanging in Madhubani Jail on August 10
- Official account
- Police and jail authorities said Roshan died by suicide
- Alleged mistreatment
- Tejashwi alleged beating and electric shocks in connection with an Arms Act case
- Other victim
- Ramnaresh Rai, a government construction contractor shot by four armed assailants on August 13
- Related protest
- The RJD held a Lok Bhavan March over police action against students demonstrating in Siwan on July 25
