Patna, July 27: Bihar Police has suspended police personnel seen firing an assault rifle during a student protest in Siwan, as authorities launched an inquiry into the incident that has triggered political criticism and renewed debate over the handling of demonstrations linked to the NEET paper leak controversy.
Siwan Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha said disciplinary action had been taken against the personnel involved after videos circulating on social media appeared to show an officer firing an AK-47 during clashes between protesters and police.
The violence erupted on Sunday when students protesting against the alleged NEET paper leak and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan clashed with security forces.
According to police, some protesters resorted to stone-pelting, prompting officers to use tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowd.
The incident in Siwan came amid broader protests across Bihar during a statewide shutdown called by opposition parties and several social organisations over the examination controversy and alleged police action against student demonstrators.
In Patna, protesters reportedly damaged public property and overturned police vehicles, leading to heightened security arrangements in several parts of the city.The suspension of the police personnel follows public scrutiny over the use of a service rifle during crowd-control operations.
Authorities have initiated a departmental inquiry to determine whether established procedures were followed and whether the use of the weapon was justified.
The incident also sparked sharp political reactions. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of using excessive force against students and questioned the government’s handling of protests.
In a statement posted on social media, he alleged that student voices were being suppressed through police action and called for accountability.
The government has not issued a detailed response to the allegations made by the Congress leader. Meanwhile, police officials have maintained that the inquiry will establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The investigation into the firing and the circumstances that led to the violence is underway.
