Patna, Aug 13: The Bihar Police headquarters has directed personnel across the state not to use AK-47, INSAS and SLR rifles during routine law-and-order and crowd-control operations, restricting their deployment to serious security situations.The instruction was issued to police superintendents and other senior officers amid a political controversy over the alleged use of an AK-47 during a student protest in Siwan.
According to the directive, the firearms will be reserved for situations involving insurgency, terrorism and major criminal incidents. Police personnel have been specifically barred from using the weapons for regular law-and-order duties or managing crowds during protests.The move follows allegations surrounding police action during a student demonstration in Siwan on July 25, in which three people were reportedly injured.
The alleged use of an AK-47 during the incident triggered criticism from Opposition parties, particularly the RJD.Bihar Assembly Leader of Opposition and RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav has questioned the circumstances under which the weapon was allegedly used and sought accountability from senior police officials.Yadav had met Director General of Police Vinay Kumar along with an RJD delegation and demanded action against the Siwan Superintendent of Police and other officials.
He also sought clarification on who authorised the use of the rifle during the protest.The RJD has announced a protest march in Patna on August 19 over the incident. The march is scheduled to start from the party headquarters on Veerchand Patel Path and proceed towards Lok Bhavan.
Yadav has said RJD MPs, MLAs, MLCs and workers would participate in the demonstration. He has also indicated that the party is reaching out to other Opposition parties to join the protest.The RJD leader has questioned why action was reportedly taken against only a police constable and sought to know whether senior officers were responsible for authorising the firing.
The latest police directive now establishes clearer restrictions on the use of assault rifles during public-order situations, while retaining their availability for serious security and criminal operations.
