Protests Erupt in Patna Over NEET Exam Paper Leak

In Patna, Bihar, students and youth organizations protested against police actions following a recent student movement concerning the NEET exam paper leak. Hundreds marched towards the Chief Minister's residence, demanding accountability and the release of detained peers. Despite police intervention using water cannons, the demonstrators voiced their concerns about ongoing injustices. A delegation later met with police officials, seeking resolution and assurance from the government. The protests highlight the growing unrest among students regarding educational policies and police conduct.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 4, 2026, 16:29 IST

Protest Against Police Action in Patna

On August 4, in Patna, the capital of Bihar, police used water cannons to disperse hundreds of activists from student and youth organizations who were marching towards the Chief Minister's residence. The demonstrators were protesting against the alleged suppression of a recent student movement related to the NEET exam paper leak. Student activists from various groups, including the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), All India Students Federation (AISF), and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), gathered at the historic Gandhi Maidan and proceeded in a procession towards the Chief Minister's residence.

However, police halted them approximately two kilometers from the Chief Minister's residence at the Income Tax roundabout. One protester stated, 'We demand a verified list of those released from jail and those still incarcerated following last month's student protests.' Bihar police had detained around 600 individuals for attempting to enforce a shutdown called in response to the resignation demand of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Nearly half of those detained were minors and were subsequently released, while the others were sent to jail.

Later, a delegation led by Neha, a leader from the All India Students Association (AISA), which is associated with the 'Cockroach People's Party' movement in Delhi, met with the Director General of Police, Vinay Kumar. Following this meeting, the state's Home Department announced the withdrawal of all cases and the release of imprisoned students. Another protester present at Gandhi Maidan remarked, 'The government's assurance has yet to be fulfilled.'

'Many of our friends have not returned home. The police are lying. We are concerned about our companions,' said a student activist from Siwan. He added, 'I come from the same district where a police officer fired an AK-47 at students.' Although the officer has been suspended, we also seek action against the Superintendent of Police (SP), as he is responsible for allowing such actions by his subordinates.

At the Income Tax roundabout, where the protesters were stopped, several prominent leaders arrived, including independent MP Pappu Yadav from Purnia and state Congress president Rajesh Ram. Rajesh Ram was among a few protesters who were taken away by police in their vehicle.

Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Amarendra Kumar Jha told reporters, 'We had to use water cannons because the protesters could not be allowed to enter the prohibited area. We have not detained anyone. A selected delegation from the protesters was only assisted in presenting their grievances to the competent authority.'