They didn’t look like students, but like terrorists! Amid nationwide protests demanding education policy reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a Bihar police personnel has been accused of opening fire on students with an AK-47 rifle. After the video of the incident went viral on social media and triggered strong reactions, the Bihar Police Headquarters finally suspended the accused personnel.
According to reports, on July 25, student organizations staged a protest in Siwan district as part of the ‘Bihar Bandh’ program. A clash broke out between police and protesters during the demonstration. It was at that time that a police personnel allegedly used an AK-47 rifle and opened fire, as per allegations.
After the video of the incident spread on social media, Bihar Police took the matter seriously and initiated a departmental inquiry. The accused personnel was also suspended with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, three protesters who were shot in the incident are being treated at Jayaprabha Medanta Hospital in Patna. According to doctors, the health condition of all three injured is currently stable.
Among the injured is 15-year-old Mohammad Arif. According to family members, the teenager was shot in the neck while returning home after closing his shop, caught in the middle of the clash. Doctors performed surgery and removed the bullet. His condition is now out of danger.
Taking up the issue, Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav shared the video on social media and demanded strict action against the police officials involved. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also raised the matter and said that the government’s approach towards protesting students across the country is the same.
The Aam Aadmi Party also strongly criticized the incident and alleged that the BJP has turned democracy into a firing range.
According to Bihar Police, maintaining law and order is the primary responsibility of the police. If any police personnel violates rules, strict action is taken. The police also stated that further action will be taken after receiving the report of the departmental inquiry.
