Nalanda: A protest demanding the establishment of a government degree college in Bihar’s Nalanda district turned violent on Thursday after demonstrators allegedly pelted stones at police personnel during a march in Nagarnausa.
Several police personnel sustained injuries in the incident, while multiple government vehicles were damaged. Police have detained more than 10 people and launched an investigation to identify others involved in the violence.
Protest Over Higher Education Demand
According to police officials and local sources, hundreds of students and residents had gathered in Nagarnausa to press for the establishment of a government degree college in the area. Protesters said students from the region face difficulties pursuing higher education due to the absence of a nearby degree institution.
The demonstration was initially peaceful as participants marched through the town raising slogans in support of their demand.
However, authorities said the situation changed near the main market area when a section of the crowd allegedly began throwing stones at police personnel deployed for security arrangements.
Police Personnel Injured
The sudden stone-pelting left several police personnel injured. The injured officers were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Officials said the violence disrupted normal movement in the area and created tension in the market and surrounding localities.
Government Vehicles Damaged
During the unrest, protesters allegedly damaged several government and administrative vehicles parked near the protest site. Windows and windshields of the vehicles were reportedly smashed.
The administration had deployed drone cameras to monitor the demonstration amid concerns that the protest could escalate. Despite the surveillance arrangements, the situation briefly went out of control before additional forces arrived.
Senior Officials Reach Spot
Following reports of the violence, Hilsa ASP Shailja Kumari and SDM Amit Kumar Patel reached the site along with additional police personnel and riot-control units.
Police launched a drive to disperse the crowd and restore order. More than 10 individuals were detained from the protest site and nearby areas for their alleged involvement in the violence.
Flag March Conducted
To prevent any further disturbances, police conducted a flag march in Nagarnausa market and other sensitive locations.
Authorities said normal traffic movement has been restored on the affected route, but security arrangements remain in place across the town.
Video Footage Being Examined
Police officials said footage captured through drone surveillance and videos recorded by local residents are being examined to identify those involved in the stone-pelting and vandalism.
Cases are expected to be registered against individuals found responsible for attacking police personnel and damaging public property.
Officials said security has been tightened across Nagarnausa and the situation remains under control.
