Bihar Cop Suspended After Viral Video Shows Firing at Protesters

A police constable in Bihar has been suspended after a video purportedly showing him firing an AK-47 rifle during the July 25 "Bihar Bandh" protests in Siwan district went viral on social media. The action was taken by the Bihar Police Headquarters, which said it had taken serious note of the footage and ordered the officer's suspension pending a departmental inquiry into the incident.

The statewide shutdown, organised by student groups over the alleged NEET paper leak and recent police action against protesters, witnessed demonstrations across several districts of Bihar. Clashes between protesters and police were reported at multiple locations, with the situation turning violent in parts of Siwan as law enforcement attempted to control the crowds.

Three protesters sustained bullet injuries during the unrest and are currently undergoing treatment at Jayprabha Medanta Hospital in Patna. Hospital authorities have said their condition is stable. Among the injured is 15-year-old Md Arif, whose family claimed he was returning home after closing a local shop during the bandh when he was struck by a bullet in the neck. Doctors later removed the bullet during surgery, and he is reported to be recovering.

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The incident drew sharp political reactions, with Leader of Opposition in Bihar Tejashwi Yadav demanding strict action against those responsible. He also shared a video of the alleged firing on social media. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi likewise raised the issue, alleging a pattern of excessive force against student protesters and referring to both the Bihar incident and earlier allegations regarding police action during demonstrations in Delhi.

Police officials stated that maintaining law and order remains their primary responsibility and stressed that any violation of established operating procedures would be dealt with seriously. Authorities have initiated a detailed departmental inquiry to determine whether the use of the firearm complied with police protocols and whether any additional disciplinary or legal action is warranted based on the findings.

The violence occurred after a large number of students gathered and marched as part of the Bihar Bandh, raising slogans and demanding accountability over examination-related issues. According to officials, tensions escalated following an altercation between protesters and police, leading to clashes and the subsequent use of force. The inquiry into the suspended constable's actions, along with the broader investigation into the incident, is ongoing.

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