Siwan. Police Headquarters has taken significant action after a video of alleged AK-47 firing in Siwan during the student protests in Bihar over the NEET paper leak went viral. Abhishek Patel, a member of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) seen in the viral video, has been suspended with immediate effect. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated into the matter.
According to reports, a tense situation arose between student organizations and police in the Siwan district headquarters during the Bihar bandh on July 25. The bandh was organized to protest the NEET paper leak and was attended by various student organizations and leftist organizations.
Meanwhile, a video went viral on social media showing Abhishek Patel carrying an AK-47 and firing several rounds toward the protesters. The video sparked a stir in political and administrative circles.
Taking cognizance of the video, Police Headquarters has suspended the officer involved and ordered a departmental inquiry. Officials say a thorough investigation is underway to determine the authenticity of the video, the circumstances of the shooting, and the procedures followed by the police. Further departmental and legal action will be taken based on the investigation report.
During the Bihar bandh, protests turned violent in several districts, including Patna, Saran, Siwan, Aurangabad, and Bhagalpur, with clashes between police and protesters. However, protests in Samastipur, Nawada, and Nalanda remained relatively peaceful. Additional police forces were deployed in several districts to maintain law and order.
The incident has also taken a political turn. Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, shared a viral video on the social media platform X, alleging that police fired AK-47s at protesting students in Siwan. He demanded an impartial investigation into the incident and accountability from the government.
It is noteworthy that internet service was temporarily suspended in Siwan as a precautionary measure during the protests. Following the viral video, questions were raised about the police’s handling of the situation. Now, with the suspension of the concerned officer, it is clear that the police headquarters is taking this matter seriously and will take further action based on the investigation.