Police Constable Suspended for Alleged Use of AK-47 During Student Protests in Bihar

Incident Overview

On July 25, a police constable in Siwan district, Bihar, was suspended for allegedly using an AK-47 rifle during a student protest. This decision was confirmed by officials on Monday following the circulation of a video on social media that purportedly shows the constable wielding the weapon during the demonstration.

Investigation and Response

The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified. Siwan's Superintendent of Police, Puran Kumar Jha, stated that the constable, who was assigned to the District Intelligence Unit (DIU), has been suspended with immediate effect, and departmental proceedings have been initiated against him. However, the constable's identity has not been disclosed.

Jha also mentioned that there were no injuries reported during the incident and that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances under which the constable used the AK-47 during the protest. He emphasized that police were given clear instructions not to fire during the demonstration.

Protests and Violence

The protests were organized in support of a 'Bihar Bandh' against the leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) question paper and police actions against protesting students. Members of leftist student organizations staged demonstrations across several districts on July 25.

Clashes occurred between protesters and police in various locations, with the situation turning violent in Patna, Saran, Siwan, Aurangabad, Bhagalpur, Sitamarhi, Purnia, and Bhojpur, while lighter protests were reported in districts like Samastipur, Nawada, Nalanda, Madhubani, and Sheikhpura. Protesters at the Dakbangla Chowk in Patna reportedly threw stones at police, leading to the detention of several students.

Political Reactions

Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, raised concerns about the incident, alleging that police fired directly at students with an AK-47 during the 'Bihar Bandh.' He held Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary accountable for the incident. In a post on the social media platform X, Yadav stated, 'When a chief minister accused in seven murder cases takes office, police shoot innocent students in this manner.'

Yadav frequently targets Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, referring to him as 'the accused in seven murder cases.'