Bihar Police has initiated action against personnel who were seen allegedly firing an AK-47 during a student protest in Siwan, even as political tensions intensified over the nationwide agitation linked to the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. The development comes after violent clashes between protesters and police prompted security forces to use tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowd.
Action Initiated Over Viral AK-47 Firing Video
Confirming the development, Siwan Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha said action had been taken against the police personnel captured in videos allegedly firing an AK-47 during Sunday’s protest.
The demonstration escalated after protesters demanding the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan allegedly clashed with police, leading to stone-pelting in parts of Siwan. Police responded with tear gas shells and a lathi-charge to bring the situation under control.
Unrest Spreads Across Bihar
The Siwan violence came amid a statewide shutdown organised by Opposition parties and several social organisations over the alleged examination irregularities and police action against student protesters.
In Patna, protests also turned tense, with reports of demonstrators damaging police vehicles during the agitation. Authorities increased security deployment across sensitive areas to prevent further violence.
Rahul Gandhi Alleges Crackdown on Students
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi strongly criticised the Centre, accusing the government of using excessive force against students participating in protests across the country.
In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that security agencies had resorted to the use of AK-47s and pellet guns to suppress demonstrations.
“The entire system is downright murderous against students. News is coming in that AK-47 bullets have been fired at protesting students in Bihar, and hundreds of students have been arrested with FIRs being filed against them,” Gandhi said.
Questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress leader also referred to earlier assurances regarding the treatment of student protesters.
“Mr Modi, where did your promise go that no FIRs would be filed against students and they would be released? Instead, deadly attacks and brutality are being unleashed on them,” he said.
Calls for Accountability
Expanding his criticism, Gandhi alleged that similar incidents had occurred in multiple states, claiming there was a common pattern in the handling of student protests.
“In Delhi, pellet guns were fired at students, and in Bihar, AK-47s. Whether it’s Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, or Delhi—the pattern is the same everywhere. I’ve said it before: this government is dishonest. Real reform is beyond their capability. They’ll backtrack on their words and use every trick in the book to suppress students’ voices,” he added.
The Congress leader concluded by demanding an unconditional apology from the Prime Minister and called for accountability from the security personnel involved in the incidents.
