Patna: A protest march by students towards the Chief Minister’s residence in Patna turned confrontational on Tuesday after demonstrators broke through police barricades near the Income Tax roundabout, leading police to deploy water cannons and detain several protesters.
The demonstration, organised under the banner of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), was held to demand action against alleged examination paper leaks and to press for greater employment opportunities.
Barricades Breached, Water Cannons Used
Police had initially stopped the march at the JP Roundabout by erecting barricades. Protesters climbed onto the barricades, raised slogans and attempted to force their way through despite repeated appeals by police to disperse.
After reaching the Income Tax roundabout, some protesters breached the barricades and continued marching towards the Chief Minister’s residence.
Police responded by using water cannons to prevent the crowd from advancing. Videos from the protest showed some students dancing under the water spray before later sitting on the road in protest. Police personnel subsequently removed several demonstrators from the site.
Heavy police deployment remained in place throughout the area, with water cannon vehicles stationed at key intersections.
Pappu Yadav Joins Demonstration
Purnia MP Pappu Yadav joined the protest and criticised the government’s handling of student issues.
He alleged that previous incidents involving students had not been adequately addressed and declared that the agitation would continue.
“The fight will continue until PM Modi and Amit Shah resign,” he said during the demonstration.
Congress Leaders Extend Support
Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram also joined the protesters, climbing onto the barricades and raising slogans against the government alongside students.
The protest drew support from several student and youth organisations, including the Youth Congress, AISF, Chhatra RJD, SFI, DYFI, The Great Bhim Army, Social Justice Army, AIDSO, The Socialist and AIDYO.
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Students Voice Grievances
Several students accused the government of ignoring their concerns over education, employment and examination irregularities.
One protester said students had gathered peacefully to demand accountability but felt their concerns were not receiving adequate attention.
“The media does not highlight our demands. We are standing on the streets in the scorching heat. We are neither terrorists by appearance, actions nor profession, yet our voices go unheard,” the student said.
Referring to recent political developments, the student added that even Prashant Kishor, following his victory in the Bankipur by-election, had raised questions about the functioning of the government.
Detainee Alleges Excessive Police Action
Among those detained was student activist Bhagya Bharti, who alleged that police had previously conducted a search at her residence without a warrant.
She claimed a large police contingent had been deployed to apprehend her while, according to her, criminals remained at large.
Protest Over Education And Employment
NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar and other student leaders had earlier appealed to students and job aspirants from across Bihar to participate in the demonstration, citing concerns over the state’s education system, employment opportunities, law and order, and democratic rights.
The protest remained under heavy police watch as authorities worked to prevent demonstrators from reaching the Chief Minister’s residence.
