Bihar Protest – Police Personnel Face Action After Rifle Seen During Student Demonstration
Bihar Protest – Authorities in Bihar have initiated disciplinary measures against police personnel after a video showing the use of an AK-47 during a student protest in Siwan drew public attention. The action comes as demonstrations linked to the NEET paper leak controversy continue to trigger political debate and law enforcement scrutiny across the state.
Police in Siwan confirmed that action has been taken against officers who were seen handling and firing an AK-47 during protests that escalated over the weekend. Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha said on Monday that the department had responded to the incident after reviewing the matter. The development follows widespread concern over the police response to demonstrations demanding accountability in the alleged examination paper leak.
Student Protest Escalates Into Violence
The protest in Siwan intensified on Sunday when clashes broke out between demonstrators and police personnel. According to officials, the situation deteriorated after reports of stone-pelting emerged from the protest site. In response, security forces used tear gas and carried out a baton charge to disperse the crowd and restore order.
The students were protesting against the alleged NEET paper leak and were demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstration, which initially began as a peaceful gathering, turned confrontational as tensions increased, prompting a stronger police response.
Similar Unrest Reported in Patna
The unrest was not limited to Siwan. Patna also witnessed protests during a statewide shutdown organised by opposition parties and several social organisations over the examination controversy and alleged police excesses against student protesters.
During the demonstrations in the state capital, protesters allegedly damaged and overturned police vehicles. Following the incidents, authorities deployed additional police personnel in sensitive locations to prevent further disturbances and maintain public order.
Rahul Gandhi Criticises Government Response
Reacting to the developments, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi sharply criticised the Narendra Modi-led central government. In a statement shared on X, he accused the administration of adopting an aggressive approach toward students participating in protests.
Gandhi claimed that reports suggested excessive force had been used against students in different states, referring to the alleged use of AK-47s in Bihar and pellet guns elsewhere. He argued that such measures reflected a broader pattern of suppressing student voices rather than addressing their concerns.
Questions Raised Over Earlier Assurances
The Congress leader also questioned the Prime Minister regarding previous assurances related to student protests. He asked why students were reportedly facing arrests and legal cases despite earlier statements suggesting that no FIRs would be filed against them and that they would not be subjected to harsh action.
In his remarks, Gandhi alleged that instead of engaging with students’ demands, authorities had resorted to force and legal action. He said this contradicted earlier commitments made by the government regarding the treatment of student demonstrators.
Demand for Accountability
Expanding his criticism, Gandhi referred to incidents involving student protests in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar, alleging that similar methods had been used by authorities across multiple states. He maintained that the government had repeatedly failed to address students’ concerns through dialogue and meaningful reforms.
Concluding his statement, the Congress leader called on the Prime Minister to issue an unconditional apology and sought accountability for the actions of security personnel involved in handling the protests. Meanwhile, authorities in Bihar continue to review the incidents as investigations and administrative proceedings move forward.