Patna: The impact of the Bihar Bandh called by student organisations was visible across several districts on Saturday, with demonstrations, road blockades and heightened security measures reported in multiple locations. The protest was organised over the alleged NEET paper leak, demands for the resignation of the Union Education Minister and opposition to the police lathi-charge on students during earlier demonstrations.
Police detained 21 protesters in Patna as authorities stepped up security across the capital and other districts to prevent disruptions.
Police Detain 21 Protesters in Patna
According to police, 17 protesters were detained from the Gandhi Maidan police station area, while four others were detained from the Kotwali police station area.
Student protesters attempted to gather at JP Golambar, but police intervened and detained several participants soon after they assembled.
Heavy police deployment remained in place across major intersections, educational institutions and other sensitive locations in the city from early Saturday morning.
Security Intensified Around Patna University
Security arrangements were significantly strengthened around Patna University in anticipation of the bandh.
Personnel from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) cordoned off the university area, while additional police forces were deployed at the university’s main gates and hostels to prevent any untoward incidents.
Police also conducted continuous patrols at Dakbungalow Crossing, JP Golambar, Kargil Chowk, Kotwali T-Point, Income Tax Crossing, Veerchand Patel Path, Ashok Rajpath, Rajvanshi Nagar Turn, Ashiana and the area surrounding the Chief Minister’s residence. Riot control vehicles were stationed at strategic locations.
Highway Blocked in Bhojpur
In Bhojpur district, activists of the Inquilabi Naujawan Sabha blocked the Ara–Sasaram Highway in Garhani while demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister and raising other issues linked to the protest.
Demonstrators sat on the highway and raised slogans against the government, leading to long queues of vehicles on both sides of the road.
No Major Disruption Reported in Gaya
Authorities in Gaya reported no significant impact of the bandh during the morning hours.
Passenger and express train services towards Patna, Kiul, Dhanbad and the Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) division continued to operate normally. The Railway Protection Force conducted flag marches at Gaya Junction, and additional security personnel were deployed across the railway premises.
Officials said there were no reports of bandh supporters entering the railway station.
Vaishali Administration on Alert
The Vaishali district administration also remained on alert following the bandh call circulated by various organisations through social media.
On the instructions of Superintendent of Police Shubhank Mishra, magistrates and police personnel were deployed across sensitive areas in Hajipur and other parts of the district.
Teams led by Sadar Sub-Divisional Officer Ram Babu Baitha and Sadar SDPO-1 Subodh Kumar inspected key locations, including Gandhi Chowk, Ramashish Chowk, Paswan Chowk and the Mahatma Gandhi Setu.
Police said security arrangements had been strengthened at major intersections and strategic points to maintain law and order during the bandh.
