A Bihar police officer has been suspended after being captured on video firing an AK-47 assault rifle at students protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET exam. The incident occurred during the July 25 Bihar Bandh, a statewide shutdown that saw large demonstrations across multiple districts.
Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Supreme Court concerning the firing incident. The protests, driven by widespread allegations of paper leaks and unfair practices in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), led to police deployment of water cannons, tear gas, and lathicharge to manage the crowds.
Three Individuals Injured
Among the three individuals injured in Siwan, 15-year-old Md Arif, a shop worker, sustained a gunshot wound to the neck. According to his family, Arif was returning home after closing his shop during the bandh when he was shot. Doctors at Jayprabha Medanta Hospital in Patna successfully removed the bullet, and he is now reported to be in stable condition. The other two injured individuals are also receiving treatment and are stable.
Political Condemnation and Inquiry
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders. Bihar’s Opposition Leader Tejashwi Yadav demanded accountability from the responsible officials, sharing footage of the firing on social media. Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi also condemned the use of force, drawing parallels to incidents involving student demonstrators in Delhi and highlighting a recurring pattern of state force against students.
Authorities have stated that maintaining law and order is their primary duty and are taking any breaches of protocol seriously. A departmental inquiry has been initiated to determine if the firearm was discharged according to proper procedures. Further disciplinary or legal actions will depend on the findings of this investigation.