Patna: Independent MP from Purnia Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav sparked controversy after publicly announcing a cash reward of Rs 2 lakh for anyone who chops off the hands of those found molesting women or girls. His remarks came amid a string of sexual violence incidents reported in Bihar, including cases in which youths were caught on camera harassing women on the streets.Yadav, who has frequently courted controversy with his remarks, made the announcement while inaugurating the Khurda festival to mark Durga Puja in Madhepura on Saturday night.“Chop off the hands of those who dare to raise them against a daughter, and claim a reward of Rs 2 lakh from me. I promise you: punish anyone who molests a daughter, and once you have done so, come straight to me and collect Rs 2 lakh,” he said.Stating there would be no compromise on the safety of daughters and mothers, regardless of ideology or religion, Yadav asked people to approach him for the reward after punishing the “molesters”.Khurda village in Kumarkhand block has been holding the nine-day festival, featuring sporting events such as kabaddi and wrestling.HAM(S) president and minister Santosh Kumar Suman criticised the remarks on Sunday. “Those who are making such remarks must know that a country is governed by Constitution and he may face the consequences for breaking the law,” he said.Yadav had earlier offered Rs 1 lakh for every rapist punished or killed by members of the public or police and Rs 10 lakh to those who murder corrupt officials.
