Patna: NSUI National In-charge Kanhaiya Kumar on Tuesday accused the Bihar government of violating legal procedures during police action against student protesters, citing the preliminary findings of a Congress-appointed fact-finding team.
Addressing a press conference at Sadaqat Ashram, Kumar alleged that police used excessive force at several locations and failed to comply with mandatory legal requirements during lathi-charges and arrests.
Fact-Finding Team’s Observations
Kumar said the fact-finding team visited Patna, Siwan, Jehanabad, Bhagalpur and Darbhanga, where it interacted with students, their families and officials as part of its inquiry into the protests.
According to Kumar, the team’s preliminary report documented incidents of lathi-charges, the use of tear gas, firing and mass arrests. He alleged that in several cases, mandatory procedures—including written orders authorising the use of force, medical examinations of detainees, preparation of arrest memos and other legal formalities—were not followed.
Allegations of Illegal Detention
Kumar further alleged that minors and female students were illegally detained at some locations and that their families were not informed promptly about the detentions.
He also claimed that journalists, YouTubers and social media influencers covering the protests faced harassment during the police action.
Demand for Judicial Inquiry
Kumar demanded that the Bihar government order a judicial inquiry into all instances of police action during the student protests.
He also called for action against officials found responsible for procedural lapses, disclosure of details of pending cases related to the protests, and withdrawal of cases registered against students whom he described as innocent.
Protest in Patna
Earlier on Tuesday, the NSUI organised a large protest in Patna over the ongoing student agitation and other issues. Police used water cannons to disperse protesters and detained several party leaders after the demonstration intensified.
The Bihar government and the police had not immediately responded publicly to the specific allegations made by Kumar at the time of publication.
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