Patna, July 27: The political controversy over the alleged firing on student protesters during the July 25 Bihar bandh intensified on Monday after Bihar Police suspended a Special Task Force (STF) constable accused of opening fire with an AK-47 rifle in Siwan, prompting Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav to demand a judicial inquiry into the incident.
The suspended constable has been identified as Abhishek Patel, an STF jawan who allegedly fired during protests held as part of the Bihar bandh called over alleged examination paper leaks. Three student protesters sustained serious injuries in the incident and are currently undergoing treatment at Medanta Hospital in Patna.
After meeting the injured students, Tejashwi Yadav questioned the circumstances under which the sophisticated assault rifle was allegedly used and sought accountability for the decision.
“Taking action against a constable is one matter. But on whose orders, the firing by AK-47 was carried out?” Tejashwi asked.
The RJD leader questioned whether the order originated from the Home Department, which is headed by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, or from senior police officials on the ground.
“Was the order issued by the Home Minister, a portfolio held by the Bihar CM himself?” he asked.
Demanding an impartial investigation, Tejashwi said the incident warranted a judicial probe.
“We want a judicial inquiry into this episode to unravel the truth as this is the first time that an AK-47 has been used to fire upon students in Bihar, which has a history of agitation since the 1970s,” he said.
The former Deputy Chief Minister also questioned the rationale behind the alleged use of an AK-47 during crowd control.
“Nowhere in the country, not even in New Delhi, has an AK-47 been used to disperse agitators. So, it is intriguing on whose orders the firing was done. Did the SP or his subordinate issue such orders? Or did the order come directly from above?” he said.
Tejashwi further alleged that despite an understanding to release detained students and withdraw cases, innocent protesters continued to be arrested.
“When an agreement has been reached that the arrested students have to be released and the cases withdrawn, then why are innocents still being picked up and put behind bars?” he asked.
Seeking greater transparency, the Leader of Opposition urged the government to disclose the number of students jailed and the legal provisions invoked against them.
“The government should clarify how many students have been sent to jail and under which sections,” Tejashwi said.
The suspension of the STF constable comes amid mounting political criticism over the handling of the student agitation, with the Opposition demanding accountability and a comprehensive inquiry into the firing incident.
