Cop who used an AK-47 during students' protest in Bihar's Siwan suspended, says SP
Puran Kumar Jha, Superintendent of Police in Bihar's Siwan, on Monday said that action has been taken against police personnel who were seen firing an AK-47 during a student protest on 25 July.
Puran Kumar Jha, Superintendent of Police in Bihar's Siwan, on Monday said that action has been taken against police personnel who were seen firing an AK-47 during a student protest on 25 July.
Speaking to PTI, he said, "The constable, posted with the District Intelligence Unit (DIU), has been suspended with immediate effect after a video purportedly showing him using an AK-47 rifle during a student protest went viral on social media. Departmental proceedings have also been initiated against him."
He added that an inquiry has also been initiated to determine the circumstances under which the constable used the AK-47 rifle during the protest.
Jha noted, "There were clear instructions to the police force not to open fire during the demonstration."
Here's what happened
On 25 July, student protests in Siwan turned violent as demonstrators clashed with police personnel in the area. After reports of stone-pelting, police resorted to tear gas shells and lathicharge to disperse the crowd, which was demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, the former education minister, over the NEET paper leak controversy.
The capital, Patna, also witnessed similar unrest during a statewide shutdown in Bihar organised by opposition parties and social organisations to protest the paper leak controversy and police action against student demonstrators. During the protest, protesters allegedly vandalised and toppled police vehicles in Patna, prompting increased police mobilisation across affected areas.
The Bihar Bandh also turned violent in Patna, Saran, Siwan, Aurangabad, Bhagalpur, Sitamarhi, Purnia and Bhojpur, while Samastipur, Nawada, Nalanda, Madhubani and Sheikhpura witnessed mild protests.
Quick answers to key questions
The police officer was suspended for using an AK-47 during student protests in Siwan, where demonstrators clashed with police on July 25.
Students protested against Dharmendra Pradhan due to the NEET paper leak controversy, demanding his resignation over the issue.
The police used tear gas shells and performed lathicharge to disperse the crowd amid reports of stone-pelting during the protests.
The bill proposes fast-track courts for paper leak cases and strict penalties, including imprisonment for up to 10 years for those involved in such activities.
Yes, there are calls for accountability regarding the use of potentially lethal methods, including pellet guns, against peaceful student protestors, highlighting concerns over protesters' safety.
Congress MP attacks Centre over student crackdown
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP and the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government, accusing the administration of being "murderous" towards the student community.
In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that the Central government is using extreme forces, including AK-47s and pellet guns, to suppress student voices across several states.
He wrote, “The entire system is downright murderous against students. News is coming in that AK-47 bullets have been fired at protesting students in Bihar, and hundreds of students have been arrested with FIRs being filed against them.”
He further questioned the previous assurances that the PM gave regarding the treatment of student protesters and asked, "Mr Modi, where did your promise go that no FIRs would be filed against students and they would be released? Instead, deadly attacks and brutality are being unleashed on them."
He also highlighted what he described as a nationwide pattern of crackdown on students and added, "In Delhi, pellet guns were fired at students, and in Bihar, AK-47s. Whether it's Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, or Delhi--the pattern is the same everywhere. I've said it before: this government is dishonest. Real reform is beyond their capability. They'll backtrack on their words and use every trick in the book to suppress students' voices."
RAF personnel used pellet gun in Delhi
The incident in Bihar comes just days after a similar controversy unfolded in Delhi. A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) probe has reportedly found that a Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel fired seven rounds of pellet gun during the 20 July "Chalo Sansad" march to Parliament.
According to The Indian Express, at least three people suffered pellet gun injuries during the march and received treatment at hospitals. They included 25-year-old Irshad Sheikh, who works in Gurgaon; 19-year-old Delhi University student Sahil Lochab; and a 28-year-old journalist with Outlook magazine.
(with agency inputs)
About the Author
Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.<br><br> Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.<br><br> Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.
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