Bihar bandh in protest against NEET paper leak, violent clash between students and police in Patna-Bhagalpur

Bihar Band: Violence was seen at many places during the Bihar bandh called by leftist student organization AISA over the alleged question paper leak of NEET exam and the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. There was a clash between the protesting students and the police in many districts including the capital Patna and Bhagalpur. To control the situation, the police had to resort to lathicharge and tear gas shells were also released at some places. During this, many police vehicles were damaged and some policemen were also injured.

Situation suddenly worsened in Bhagalpur

During the Bihar Bandh, the atmosphere suddenly became tense during the demonstration at Tilkamanjhi Chowk in Bhagalpur. There was an argument between the protesting students and the police, after which the situation turned violent. It is alleged that some protesters started throwing stones at the police. Due to stone pelting, the glass panes of many police vehicles were broken and the vehicles were damaged.

Seeing the situation worsening, the police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the crowd. After this, additional police force was deployed in the entire area. For security reasons, constant surveillance is being maintained in the area and the entire area has been converted into a police camp.

Maximum tension at Dakbungla intersection in Patna

In the capital Patna, a large number of students started gathering at Gandhi Maidan and Dak Bungalow intersection since morning. During the demonstration some students tried to remove the barricades. After this a clash started between the protesters and the police.

During the uproar, some people pelted stones at the police. The traffic police booth was also vandalized and some police vehicles were damaged. To control the situation, the police first tried to convince the protesters, but when the crowd did not agree, tear gas shells were fired. Dakbungalow intersection remained the center of tension for a long time.

Police had made security arrangements in advance

The administration was already alert after the announcement of Bihar bandh. A large number of police forces were deployed in many sensitive areas including Patna. Along with the police, paramilitary forces and CRPF personnel were also present at the main intersections.

The police had barricaded many places to stop the protesters from moving forward. Officials say that due to strong security arrangements, the protest could be prevented from spreading further. Continuous patrolling continued in sensitive areas throughout the day.

Many police vehicles damaged, soldiers also injured

Many police vehicles were damaged during the violent clashes. Windows of vehicles were broken and some vehicles were damaged in stone pelting. According to the police, many soldiers have also been injured while maintaining law and order. The injured were given first aid and sent to hospital if necessary. The administration has appealed to the people to maintain peace and not pay attention to any kind of rumours.

Identification will be done through video and CCTV footage

After the incidents of violence, Bihar Police has started investigation. The footage of CCTV cameras installed in Patna and Bhagalpur is being scrutinized. Apart from this, viral videos on social media are also under investigation.

Police officials say that those who damaged government property or took the law into their own hands will be identified and legal action will be taken against them. After completion of the investigation, a case will be registered against the accused under relevant sections.

Currently the situation is under control

According to the administration, at present the situation is under control in Patna, Bhagalpur and other affected areas. Police and administration are constantly monitoring the situation. Additional security forces are deployed in sensitive areas to prevent any new untoward incident. Officials have said that maintaining law and order is their priority and strict action will be taken against those who disturb peace.

Also read: ‘Don’t trust claims on social media’, Delhi Police said in press conference amid student protests