A policeman in Bihar was suspended by the Bihar Police Headquarters following viral video footage that allegedly showed a constable using an AK-47 rifle against protesting students during the July 25 'Bihar Bandh' protests in Siwan district. According to official information, the statewide shutdown involved large-scale demonstrations by student organisations across several districts, resulting in clashes and injuries.
Clashes During the Bihar Bandh Protests in Siwan District
The unrest unfolded on July 25 as a large number of students gathered in the city and marched toward Gandhi Maidan as part of the statewide shutdown. While students were raising slogans, the situation deteriorated after an altercation broke out between protesters and the police. According to official reports, the statewide shutdown witnessed large-scale demonstrations by student organisations across several districts, with clashes reported between protesters and police at multiple locations. Footage from the Siwan district captured a cop firing at students, drawing immediate attention and condemnation from political figures.
Injuries and Medical Treatment at Jayprabha Medanta Hospital
The clashes resulted in injuries to three protesters, whose conditions are currently reported to be stable while they undergo treatment at Jayprabha Medanta Hospital in Patna. Among the injured is 15-year-old Md Arif. According to his family, the teenager works at a local shop and was returning home after closing it during the bandh when a bullet struck him in the neck during the unrest. Doctors successfully removed the bullet during surgery, and his condition is now reported to be stable.
Political Reactions and Opposition Statements
The incident drew sharp reactions from opposition leaders. Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the opposition in Bihar, called for action against guilty officials and posted a video of the incident on social media showing a cop firing at students. Alongside the video, Yadav wrote: “सिवान में छात्र प्रदर्शन के दौरान पुलिस ने छात्रों पर सीधी फायरिंग की। AK-47 से भी फायरिंग की गई। जब 7 हत्याओं का आरोपी अपराधी मुख्यमंत्री बन जाए तब लोकतंत्र में प्रदर्शन कर रहे निर्दोष छात्रों पर पुलिस ऐसे ही गोलियां चलाती है। दोषी अधिकारियों के खिलाफ कार्रवाई हो।”
Rahul Gandhi, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, also raised the issue. According to his remarks, the pattern is the same everywhere, pointing to the use of pellet guns in Delhi against protesting students and AK-47s in Bihar.
Police Response and Departmental Inquiry
Police officials stated that maintaining law and order is the force's primary responsibility and that any violation of established procedures is taken seriously. Following the viral footage, the Bihar Police Headquarters took serious note of the incident and ordered the suspension of the policeman. Authorities added that a detailed departmental inquiry has been initiated. Further action will be determined based on the findings of the investigation, which is expected to determine whether the use of the firearm complied with police protocols and whether any further disciplinary or legal action is warranted.