Police gunfire, including AK-47 fire, leaves student protesters injured in Bihar
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Visuals show police using firearms, including one officer firing an AK-47, at student protesters who had taken to the streets in Bihar in solidarity with the CJP protests in Delhi, drawing widespread criticism and condemnation from political parties after several students and protesters were injured in the firing.
The most serious violence unfolded in Bihar's Siwan district during the statewide Bihar Bandh on Saturday, where police claimed that they opened fire after clashes erupted between demonstrators and security personnel.
According to the official statement, officers initially attempted to disperse the crowd using tear gas and mild force before resorting to firing when protesters allegedly began pelting stones. Three demonstrators were injured in the incident, while Siwan Superintendent of Police Puran Jha and several police personnel were also reportedly hurt during the confrontation.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation identified the injured protesters as Akash, Ansh and Newton, alleging that they suffered gunshot wounds to their necks and legs.
Another injured youth, 15-year-old Md Arif, who was reportedly returning home after closing the shop where he worked, was struck in the neck by a bullet. Doctors at Jayprabha Medanta Hospital in Patna later removed the bullet surgically, and his condition is said to be stable.
Public anger intensified after a widely circulated video showed police officer Abhishek Patel advancing towards protesters while firing an AK-47-style rifle. At least one shot was clearly visible in the footage, although officials indicated that between four and five rounds may have been discharged. Patel has since been suspended pending an inquiry.
Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha has filed a Public Interest Litigation before the Supreme Court seeking the registration of FIRs over the alleged excessive use of force by Bihar Police. The matter is expected to be heard alongside petitions concerning police action against students protesting examination paper leaks across the country.
Opposition parties strongly criticised the firing. Rashtriya Janata Dal questioned why live ammunition was used against civilians, arguing that assault rifles are intended for combating terrorists and armed criminals, not citizens exercising their democratic right to protest. CPI(ML) described the police response as "unprecedented and brutal", demanding justice for the injured students, withdrawal of criminal cases against activists, and announcing a statewide Protest Day on 30 July.