Patna: Patna Police have intensified their crackdown following the large-scale unrest in the city, registering a First Information Report (FIR) against 500 unidentified persons and detaining more than 40 protesters.
The FIR was registered late on Wednesday night by the Kotwali, Gandhi Maidan and Sachivalaya police stations. Those detained were questioned late into the night as investigators sought to establish their roles in the protest.
Police Identifying Protesters Through CCTV and Social Media
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma said police are identifying those involved using CCTV footage, video recordings and clips circulated on social media.
He said all those identified during the investigation would be arrested in accordance with the law.
Police teams carried out raids in several parts of Patna, including Gandhi Maidan, Kadamkuan, Bahadurpur, Boring Road and Buddha Colony. According to police sources, several people suspected of participating in the protest were detained during these operations.
Probe Into Planning of the Protest
Investigators are also examining how the protest was organised and whether it was coordinated in advance.
Police sources said the inquiry is focused on identifying those who planned the demonstration and mobilised participants. Officials said further details would be shared after the investigation progresses.
Separately, the cyber cell has begun examining the role of YouTubers and social media content creators in connection with the protest. Police have not disclosed the nature or scope of the inquiry.
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Barricades Removed as Crowd Advanced
According to police accounts, protesters repeatedly removed barricades erected to stop the march. Officials said participants lifted the barricades and carried them away, allowing the crowd to continue moving forward.
The police said the demonstrators managed to evade security measures for nearly six hours as the gathering continued to grow.
Vehicles Damaged During Violence
As the protest turned violent, incidents of stone-pelting were reported from the Dakbungalow and Bailey Road areas.
Police said the escort vehicle of the Inspector General of Police, the official vehicle of City Magistrate Sanjay Kumar and several police vehicles were damaged during the unrest.
Authorities also reported that an attempt was made to overturn the vehicle of BJP MLA Rohit Pandey from Bhagalpur, who was allegedly assaulted during the incident. The vehicles of BJP MLA Vinay Bihari and BJP leader Ajay Singh were also damaged, with their windows reportedly smashed.
The investigation into the violence and those responsible is continuing.
