Authorities have taken action against police personnel who reportedly fired an AK-47 during a student protest held on July 27, 2026, in Siwan, Bihar, according to Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha. The protest escalated tensions between demonstrators and police, leading to severe clashes in the area.

Violence During Protests

The student protests in Siwan turned violent as demonstrators clashed with law enforcement. Amidst reports of stone-pelting from the crowd, police were compelled to use tear gas shells and resorted to a lathicharge to disperse the gathering. The protests were centred around demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, particularly regarding allegations linked to the NEET paper leak scandal.

Additional unrest was noted in Patna, where similar protests were underway during a statewide shutdown called by opposition parties and social organisations in response to the paper leak and police actions against students. Protesters in Patna allegedly vandalised police vehicles, prompting a heightened police presence in multiple locations across the state.

As the situation unfolded, the police reported having to manage increasing violence and potential threats to public safety, complicating their response to the demonstrators. The actions taken have drawn significant scrutiny from local and national leaders regarding the appropriateness of using such force in managing protests involving students.

Political Reactions

In reaction to the events, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi denounced the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on social media platforms. He accused the administration of employing extreme measures against the student community, including the use of armed personnel to suppress peaceful protests.

Gandhi’s criticism highlighted what he characterised as a systematic approach by the government to undermine student activism. He stated, “The entire system is downright murderous against students,” claiming that reports have surfaced of AK-47 bullets being discharged during the protests, leading to mass arrests and the filing of FIRs against numerous individuals involved.

Challenging Modi regarding previous commitments made about the treatment of student demonstrators, Gandhi questioned the Prime Minister’s assurances that no FIRs would be lodged against students and that they would be allowed to return home safely. He emphasised the need for accountability for the actions taken by security forces during these demonstrations.

Nationwide Patterns of Crackdown

Gandhi further elaborated on what he deemed a troubling trend of state-led crackdowns on student protests across various states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. He asserted that the pattern of violence against students was alarming and suggested that it was indicative of a broader failure by the government to listen to the youth’s concerns.

The Congress leader concluded his statements by demanding an unconditional apology from the Prime Minister and called for accountability from the security personnel involved in these incidents. His remarks have sparked discussions on the adequacy of policing measures during protests and the government’s responsiveness to student grievances in the current political climate.

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