Patna, July 27: Police in Bihar have intensified action against those allegedly involved in the student protests held in Patna on July 22 and July 25, with hundreds of people arrested and sent to Beur Central Jail in connection with the demonstrations.
The arrests followed protests over the NEET paper leak controversy, some of which reportedly turned violent. Police have registered cases against the accused under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), citing offences related to rioting, damage to public property, obstruction of government officials and disruption of public order.
Family members of several detainees have alleged that innocent youths were also taken into custody during the police operation. They claimed that some of those arrested were either at their workplaces or returning home when they were detained and had no involvement in the protests.
The families further expressed concern that the inclusion of several serious charges, including Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, could adversely affect the education, employment and future prospects of the accused.
They have demanded an impartial investigation and the release of those found to have been wrongly implicated.
Police, however, defended the action, stating that the arrests were based on evidence collected from CCTV footage, video recordings and other material gathered during the investigation.
Officials said individuals were identified only after examining available evidence related to incidents of violence, damage to government property and obstruction of law enforcement personnel.
Authorities also maintained that no innocent person would be deliberately implicated. They said the investigation is continuing and that if evidence is found to be insufficient against any accused, further action will be taken in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, All India Students’ Association (AISA) national president Neha visited Beur Central Jail and met student leaders and other students arrested during the protests.
After the meeting, she addressed the media and expressed concern over the arrests, calling for a fair investigation into the cases.The investigation into the violence and the role of those arrested remains underway.
