Bihar AK-47 firing during student protest: Police officer suspended, matter reaches Supreme Court
PTC Web Desk: A Bihar police officer has been suspended after a video showed him allegedly firing at least three rounds from an AK-47 during a student protest on July 25. The firing took place amid demonstrations held across the state during the Bihar Bandh over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
The incident has also reached the Supreme Court, where Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking action in connection with the firing.
The Bihar Bandh witnessed protests by student groups in several parts of the state. In a number of places, demonstrations turned tense as protesters clashed with the police.
Authorities used measures, including lathicharge, tear gas and water cannons to control the crowds and clear protest sites.
In Siwan, three protesters were injured during the firing. They are currently receiving treatment at Jayprabha Medanta Hospital in Patna, and their condition has been described as stable.
Among those injured is 15-year-old Md Arif, who works at a local shop. His family said he was returning home after closing the shop when he was hit by a bullet in the neck. Doctors later removed the bullet during surgery. His family said his condition is now stable.
Also Read | Seattle Food Festival Shooting: 3 killed, 4 injured near Space Needle
In Patna, a large number of students gathered and marched towards Gandhi Maidan as part of the statewide shutdown. The situation reportedly became tense after an argument between protesters and police. As students raised slogans, the confrontation escalated.
A video circulating online shows a policeman firing an AK-47 in the direction of the protesting students. The footage has triggered criticism from political leaders and raised questions over the use of firearms during the demonstration.
Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav demanded strict action against officials found responsible for wrongdoing. He also shared the video of the incident on social media.
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also criticised the incident, comparing it with the alleged use of pellet guns against protesting students in Delhi and the AK-47 firing in Bihar.
Police officials said maintaining law and order remains their main responsibility but stressed that any violation of established procedures would be taken seriously.
A departmental inquiry has been ordered to examine the circumstances surrounding the firing. Investigators will look into whether the officer's use of the firearm followed police rules and protocols. Further disciplinary or legal action will depend on the findings of the inquiry.
The incident has added to tensions surrounding the Bihar Bandh, which saw student protests and clashes with the police in several districts. The three injured protesters from Siwan continue to recover in Patna as authorities investigate the circumstances of the firing.
- With inputs from agencies
