Patna, July 27: Bihar Police on Monday released a detailed report on the violence that erupted during the statewide bandh held on July 25, stating that 694 people were detained during police operations, while 355 accused were sent to jail following judicial proceedings.
According to the report, 339 students and minors detained during the protests were released after verification and investigation. Police said those found directly involved in incidents of violence were produced before the court and remanded to judicial custody.
The violence left 91 police personnel injured, including the Superintendents of Police (SPs) of Siwan and Sitamarhi, two Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs), and several station house officers. Thirteen civilians also sustained injuries during the clashes.
Among government officials injured in the violence, the Sadar Block Development Officer (BDO) of Saran district reportedly lost vision in one eye and is undergoing treatment at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS). The Revilganj BDO suffered a serious head injury and underwent surgery at Medanta Hospital.
Police further said protesters allegedly vandalised 14 government vehicles and set one vehicle on fire. The officer-in-charge of Gandhi Maidan police station was also seriously injured and is currently undergoing treatment.
Clarifying the controversy surrounding the reported AK-47 firing in Siwan, Bihar Police said constable Abhishek Kumar fired four rounds into the air after being surrounded by protesters as a precautionary measure. The department, however, suspended the constable for violating prescribed rules governing the use of firearms.
Separate FIRs have been registered based on the statements of three injured youths—identified as Arif, Akash and Bullet. Police said the three sustained injuries nearly 1.5 to 2 kilometres away from the location where the constable had fired the warning shots.
Siwan Superintendent of Police Puran Jha said preliminary findings had not established that anyone was injured by AK-47 bullets.
“Preliminary investigations have not confirmed any injuries from AK-47 bullets,” Jha said.
He added that the District Intelligence Unit (DIU) team was passing through the area in connection with the investigation of a murder reported earlier that morning when the incident occurred.
“A high-level investigation into the entire incident is underway at the Commissioner and DIG levels, and the joint investigation report is pending,” the SP said.
Bihar Police said the circumstances surrounding the Siwan firing incident are being examined through a joint inquiry, and further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
