Bihar Police removes CCTV camera after Tejashwi's 'snooping' allegations

PATNA: Amid the controversy over allegation of snooping at the house of RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the Bihar Police on Tuesday withdrew the powerful CCTV camera installed on the boundary wall in the backyard of chief minister Nitish Kumar's residence.
This boundary wall separates the official bungalows of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar at 1, Anney Marg and Tejashwi’s at 5, Deshratna Marg.Tejashwi was allotted the 5, Deshratna Marg residence when he was deputy chief minister in the previous Grand Alliance government.
Though the RJD leader has been served a series of notices to vacate the bungalow in favour of the incumbent deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, Tejashwi continues to occupy it in capacity of the leader of opposition in assembly, a cabinet minister-rank post.
A few days ago, police officials looking after the CM’s security installed a powerful CCTV camera on the CM on the backyard boundary will of the CM's residence which faces towards the official bungalow of Tejashwi. The CCTV camera was tactically placed at such a height that it could easily snoop into the front courtyard and some rooms of Tejashwi’s house.
Soon after installation of the camera, Tejashwi accused Nitish Kumar of “snooping” by installing the powerful CCTV camera atop the boundary wall.
While posting a photograph of the CCTV camera on his Twitter handle, Yadav had on November 15 asked, "Why the chief minister felt the need for the camera only on the wall bordering his political opponent.”
“The CM’s residence is surrounded by main roads from three sides and the leader of opposition's residence from the fourth side. But, the CM felt the need for CCTV camera only on the wall facing his political opponent’s quarter. Nitish Jee’ your police and you have complete right to get your security, but you have no right to snoop into my bedroom, kitchen and official residence,” Tejashwi had then said.
Tejashwi’s allegation of snooping against the CM had created a flutter in the state’s political circle. Tejashwi’s allegation was strongly countered by the leaders of ruling JD(U) and its ally BJP.
“We decided to withdraw the camera after fresh review of the CM’s security aspects,” a senior police official who didn’t want to be identified said.
Despite repeated attempts on his phone, IG (security) Bachchu Singh Meena could not be contacted for his comment.