Patna: Allegations of police excesses during the Wednesday student protest in Patna were raised in the Bihar Legislative Council on the final day of the monsoon session on Friday, with Opposition MLC Shashi Yadav accusing senior police officers of misconduct and claiming that a false criminal case had been lodged against her.
The allegations come amid continuing political controversy over police action against students in Delhi and Bihar, with several opposition leaders who participated in the Patna protest facing criminal cases.
MLC Alleges False Criminal Case
Addressing the House, Shashi Yadav said she had been named in an FIR accusing her of theft and snatching during the student protest. She alleged that the case falsely claimed she had snatched a BJP leader’s ring, chain and Rs 15,000 in cash.
Rejecting the allegations, Yadav said she had been outside on other work that day and argued that if action had to be taken against her, it should relate to her participation in a public protest rather than charges of theft or snatching.
Allegations Against Senior Police Officers
Yadav also accused Inspector General (IG) Jitendra Rana of twisting her arm when she went to console female students during the protest. She told the Council that her arm remained swollen following the alleged incident.
She further alleged that she visited Kotwali police station to inquire about detained students, where the station house officer behaved discourteously with her and refused to address her concerns.
Opposition Seeks Government Action
Supporting Yadav’s allegations, RJD MLC Sunil Singh urged the Chair to take serious note of the matter, saying the allegations involved the treatment of a woman public representative by police officials.
Responding to the discussion, Bihar Legislative Council Chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh said the government would take cognisance of the allegations raised in the House.
