Patna: Patna Police deployed an armoured vehicle, tear gas equipment, reinforced barricades and a large contingent of personnel on Tuesday as students gathered for a protest related to the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC).
The security arrangements were concentrated along the stretch from Gandhi Maidan to Dakbungalow Crossing, where police anticipated a large turnout.
Armoured Vehicle Deployed
An armoured Mine-Protected Vehicle (MPV), also known as Vajra, was deployed on Patna’s streets as part of the security arrangements.
The vehicle is designed to protect police personnel during high-risk situations, including violent protests and stone-pelting. It can also be used to deploy tear gas while providing protection to personnel inside.
Tear Gas Kept Ready
Police personnel carrying tear gas equipment were positioned at the protest site. The measure was intended to provide the force with an option to disperse protesters if the situation escalated.
Police had also used tear gas during recent protests in Patna.
Iron Barricades And Reinforced Barriers
Police installed large iron barriers at strategic points to prevent protesters from moving towards restricted areas.
Barricades normally used for metro construction work were also placed at several points between Gandhi Maidan and Dakbungalow Crossing. Police reinforced them by tying the structures together with bamboo poles, ropes and other supports.
Personnel secured the barricades with thick ropes to prevent protesters from moving or overturning them.
Multiple Forces Deployed
A large number of personnel from the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Bihar Police were deployed across the protest route.
The Dakbungalow Crossing area was heavily secured from the morning ahead of the scheduled demonstration.
Inspector General Jitendra Rana also reached Dakbungalow Crossing to oversee the police deployment and security arrangements.
The measures reflected the police’s preparations for managing a potentially large student gathering while preventing movement beyond designated areas.
