Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav was detained by police on Wednesday while leading an RJD protest march towards Lok Bhavan in Patna. The demonstration was organised over the alleged use of an AK-47 during student protests in Siwan last month.
Yadav was taken into a police vehicle near the Income Tax office as RJD workers attempted to move towards the Governor’s residence. Police later released him after around an hour, following which he reached the RJD office.
RJD MP Misa Bharti, who was also part of the protest, was detained as well.
Why Was The RJD Protesting?
The RJD had organised the march to raise concerns over the police action during demonstrations held in Bihar on July 25.
The protests were linked to demands for action over alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET paper leak and issues affecting students.
The immediate focus of the RJD’s protest, however, was an incident in Siwan, where a suspended police constable, Abhishek Kumar, was allegedly seen firing an AK-47 during the student demonstration.
A video of the incident circulated on social media, triggering a political controversy.
The RJD has been demanding accountability over the incident and questioning how a police weapon was allegedly used during a protest.
Police Use Water Cannons To Stop Protesters
The RJD march began at JP Golambar, with party leaders and supporters moving towards Lok Bhavan to submit a memorandum to the Governor.
As the protesters proceeded, police deployed water cannons to prevent the march from moving further.
Tejashwi Yadav was subsequently taken into custody.
While being taken away, Yadav accused the state government of failing to protect students and said protesters demanding justice were being treated unfairly.
After his release, he again criticised the government, alleging that authorities were not taking the concerns of students seriously.
Misa Bharti Also Questions Government
Misa Bharti also raised questions over the alleged firing incident.
She said the RJD was protesting on issues including NEET paper leaks, unemployment and problems faced by Bihar’s students and young people.
She also questioned the circumstances in which an AK-47 was allegedly used during the Siwan protest.
What Happened In Siwan?
The controversy dates back to the July 25 student protests.
A Bihar bandh had been called by Left-wing student groups in connection with the NEET paper leak issue. Demonstrations were reported in several parts of the state.
During the protest in Siwan, a police constable was allegedly seen using an AK-47.
The constable was later suspended, while the state government also took administrative action involving senior police officials.
The Siwan and Bhojpur Superintendents of Police were transferred amid the controversy.
Police maintained that nobody was injured in the alleged firing and said an inquiry had been initiated. Authorities also said police personnel had been instructed not to open fire during the demonstration.
RJD Supporters Carry Dummy AK-47s
During Wednesday’s protest, some RJD workers were seen carrying dummy AK-47 rifles.
The symbolic display was intended to highlight the party’s demand for an explanation and action over the alleged use of the weapon against student protesters.
The RJD has maintained that its march was peaceful and focused on student-related concerns.
BJP And JD(U) Attack Tejashwi
The protest also triggered criticism from the ruling alliance.
JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said Tejashwi Yadav, as the leader of the RJD, would have to take responsibility for maintaining order during the demonstration.
The BJP also criticised the march.
BJP leader Mrityunjay Tiwari questioned the purpose of the protest and accused Yadav of not being present in Bihar when students and young people needed political support.
The BJP maintained that the state government was working on employment and development issues and warned that police would act if protesters violated the law.
Political Battle Intensifies Over Student Issues
The latest confrontation adds another layer to the political battle between the RJD and the Bihar government.
The opposition is using the alleged Siwan firing, NEET-related concerns and unemployment to target the government ahead of upcoming political challenges.
The government and ruling alliance, meanwhile, have defended their handling of the situation and accused the RJD of attempting to turn the issue into a political confrontation.
With Tejashwi Yadav and Misa Bharti detained during the march, the dispute over student protests and the alleged AK-47 firing in Siwan is likely to remain a major political issue in Bihar.
