Patna: Bihar Police have registered 27 FIRs and arrested 93 students following violent protests across the state over the alleged NEET paper leak and demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protests, which began in Delhi at Jantar Mantar, spread to Bihar three days ago, with demonstrations reported from several districts. While police used force, including lathi charges and aerial firing in some places, protesters allegedly resorted to stone-pelting and vandalism in response.
According to police, around 2,000 unidentified students have been named as accused in various FIRs. Authorities have also released photographs of 270 individuals for identification as part of the investigation.
Police Release Photos, Seek Public Help
Police have issued photographs of several protesters, many of whom appear to be standing on roads or talking among themselves during the demonstrations.
In Muzaffarpur, police announced a reward of ₹10,000 for information leading to the identification of individuals featured in the released photographs.
In Patna alone, police have released photographs of 60 people and appealed to the public to assist in identifying them. The Bihar Police’s Cyber Crime and Security Unit (CCSU), Dial-100 teams and investigators are examining CCTV footage and other video recordings to identify those allegedly involved in violence.
Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma said CCTV footage from across the city was being analysed to identify people allegedly involved in stone-pelting, attacks on police personnel and damage to public property.
“Action will be taken against those found responsible. Social media activity is also being monitored, and action will be taken against those who instigated violence,” Sharma said.
Patna Registers 21 Cases
Police said 21 FIRs were registered at different police stations in Patna following Wednesday’s violence, which allegedly involved stone-pelting, attacks on police personnel and damage to government property.
Around 500 unidentified persons have also been named in cases registered at four police stations in the state capital. So far, 57 students have been arrested in Patna on charges including rioting, obstructing public servants from performing their duties, assault and causing damage to public property.
Protests Turn Violent in Several Districts
Student protests continued on Thursday, with demonstrations reported in Patna, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Jehanabad and Katihar.
Near Patna College, students blocked Ashok Rajpath while demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister. Police later detained several protesters.
Police carried out lathi charges in Darbhanga, Begusarai and Katihar after demonstrations turned confrontational. Protesters allegedly responded by throwing stones at police personnel.
In Jehanabad, protesters reportedly pelted stones at police during attempts to disperse the crowd. After a lathi charge, some protesters moved onto railway tracks and continued stone-pelting. Police said they fired around 30 rounds into the air to disperse the crowd and clear the railway tracks.
In Begusarai, protesters attempted to surround the Collectorate, with some climbing the main gate before police intervened. In Katihar, a magistrate deployed outside the District Magistrate’s office reportedly sustained a serious eye injury during stone-pelting.
Lawyers Question Police Action
Advocate Rishikesh Narayan said police had registered multiple criminal cases under various sections, including charges relating to damage to public property. He alleged that the inclusion of unidentified accused could make it easier for police to arrest individuals who participated in or supported the protests.
Another lawyer, Advocate Ashok Kumar, alleged that students were being unnecessarily harassed through criminal cases. He claimed that several offences carrying sentences of less than seven years were being treated with stricter provisions, resulting in arrests where bail procedures could otherwise have been followed.
Protest Over NEET Paper Leak
The protests are part of a nationwide movement demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Student organisations have accused the government of failing to ensure transparency and fairness in competitive examinations, while authorities have maintained that action is being taken against those responsible for violence and damage to public property.
The situation remains tense in several districts, with police maintaining heightened security and continuing investigations into the incidents.
