Patna: The political fallout from the Bihar Bandh continued to intensify on Monday, with fresh student protests erupting in Patna, more than 400 people reported to have been jailed across the state during last couple of days, and opposition parties escalating their campaign against the Bihar government.
The developments come despite student demonstrations in New Delhi subsiding following the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while protests in Bihar have continued to gather momentum.
Students Rally For Release Of Arrested Protesters
Students assembled at Patna College on Monday, demanding the immediate release of those arrested during the Bihar Bandh demonstrations.
Holding banners and placards, protesters raised slogans against the state government and called for the withdrawal of criminal cases registered against students.
The Disha Student Organisation, affiliated with Patna University, also announced a protest over the arrest of its member Ashish and hundreds of other students.
Several organisations have warned of larger demonstrations if those detained are not released.
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More Than 400 Arrested
Police action linked to the Bihar Bandh has continued across the state, with authorities saying around 450 people have been arrested in connection with violence during the protests.
Many of those detained are students and young people.
Officials said cases have been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police have also released photographs of individuals identified as alleged troublemakers in several districts, including Patna, as investigations continue.
Around 200 detainees were produced before a magistrate at the judicial residence in Chhajjubagh following the protests on Sunday night, while family members waited outside.
Supreme Court To Hear Challenge
RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha has approached the Supreme Court, challenging the police action during the protests.
According to media reports, the petition questions the legality of the police response, including allegations of firing during the demonstrations.
The matter has reportedly been listed before the bench headed by the Chief Justice of India, with the hearing expected on Tuesday.
Rahul Gandhi Criticises Police Crackdown
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has also criticised the police action against protesting students.
In a social media post, Gandhi alleged that security forces used AK-47 rifles during the protests and that hundreds of students had been arrested and named in criminal cases.
छात्रों के ख़िलाफ़ पूरा का पूरा सिस्टम ही जानलेवा है।
खबर आ रही है कि बिहार में प्रदर्शन कर रहे छात्रों पर AK-47 से गोलियाँ चलाई गई हैं और सैकड़ों छात्रों को गिरफ़्तार करके उनपर FIR की जा रही है।
मोदी जी, कहाँ गया आपका वादा कि छात्रों पर कोई FIR नहीं की जाएगी और उन्हें रिहा कर… https://t.co/c7zdyyeLA0
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 27, 2026
He urged the Prime Minister to take action against those responsible for attacking students rather than prosecuting the protesters.
Opposition Steps Up Pressure
Among those arrested are former minister Tej Pratap Yadav and CPI(ML) MLA Sandeep Saurav, both of whom were detained in connection with the Bihar Bandh protests.
Tej Pratap Yadav has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody and lodged in Beur Central Jail. His lawyer has filed a bail application, which is expected to be heard by the court shortly.
Meanwhile, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government, demanding the release of all detained protesters, including Tej Pratap Yadav and Sandeep Saurav.
He warned that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) would launch a larger statewide movement if the detainees were not released.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) has also called for the unconditional release of all arrested students, youth leaders and opposition politicians.
