Patna: In Patna, the families of police officers took to the streets on Monday in protest against what they described as arbitrary and disruptive mass transfers within the force. The demonstration, which took place at the R Block intersection, saw the participation of women, children, and elderly parents, many holding placards and banners demanding fairness and compassion in transfer policies.
The protests follow the June 5 decision to transfer 20,000 police personnel across Bihar, prompting a wave of emotional and public reactions. Among the protesters was Nikki Kumari from Saharsa, who spoke out against the transfer of her husband to a distant location. “I don’t know how to manage the children and the home. He left under pressure, and now he doesn’t even speak properly. I’m afraid something might happen to him,” she said.
Dev Singh, an 84-year-old father of a constable, wept as he described his son’s transfer to a post so far from their home near the Nepal border that even leave does not allow for regular visits. “If he takes any extreme step under stress, who will be held accountable?” he asked.
Another grieving father, Rajendra Prasad Yadav, broke down on camera. “This is not just a transfer. It affects our entire family,” he said.
The police headquarters responded by warning officers against participating in or being influenced by such protests, calling it a matter of indiscipline. Officials claimed that some individuals were attempting to mislead police families for personal or political motives, and such actions would be investigated and penalised.
A legal challenge is already underway, with a stay order issued by the Patna High Court effective until June 22. The next hearing is scheduled for June 23.
Lawyer Mithilesh Kumar stated that this is not merely opposition to individual transfers, but to the broader policy framework driving them. Families and legal representatives have argued for more considerate postings, preferably within five adjoining districts, to avoid unnecessary mental and financial strain.
