Patna: Tej Pratap Yadav, the national president of the Janshakti Janata Dal, has been remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody in connection with violence during a student protest in Patna, marking the first time in his political career that he has been sent to jail.
A judicial magistrate ordered that Tej Pratap be lodged in Beur Central Jail after he was produced before the court shortly after midnight on Sunday.
Arrested Late At Night
Police arrested Yadav late on Saturday night at City Centre Mall in Patna.
According to police, he initially insisted on travelling in his own vehicle after being detained. Officers said he later agreed to travel in a police vehicle following discussions with senior officials.
Authorities have booked him on charges including disturbing public order, obstructing government officials in the discharge of their duties, inciting supporters and allegedly provoking violence during the protest.
After his arrest, Yadav was first taken to Digha police station and later shifted to Naubatpur police station. At around 12.15 am, he was produced before a judicial magistrate at the magistrate’s official residence in Chhajjubagh, where he was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.
View this post on Instagram
Police Allege He Incited Protesters
Earlier on Saturday, Yadav had reached Gate No. 10 of Gandhi Maidan to express support for students staging a protest.
Witnesses said he climbed a statue and waved the national flag before joining demonstrators. Police allege he remained with the protesters for an extended period and played a role in encouraging the agitation.
Officials said Tej Pratap had earlier been taken into preventive custody during the day but was released shortly afterwards. Police alleged that he later rejoined his supporters at different locations, following which he was arrested again late at night.
Violence During Student Protest
The student protest turned violent at several locations, including Gandhi Maidan, Dakbungalow Crossing and nearby areas of the city.
Police said protesters resorted to stone-pelting, injuring several personnel, including Gandhi Maidan Station House Officer Akhilesh Mishra and TOP in-charge Pramod Kumar. Authorities also reported damage to government vehicles and other public property.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple FIRs Registered
Police have registered an FIR against Tej Pratap and others at Gandhi Maidan police station, alleging that he incited the crowd and disrupted law and order during the protest. The allegations are under investigation.
In total, four FIRs have been lodged at Gandhi Maidan and Kotwali police stations in connection with the violence.
Police said around 60 people, including RJD MLA Gautam Krishna, have been detained for questioning.
Officials added that investigators are identifying other suspects through CCTV footage and video recordings. They said further action would be taken against those found responsible for violence, attacks on police personnel and damage to public property, based on the evidence collected.
