Patna: Janshakti Janata Dal president Tej Pratap Yadav was released from Beur Jail on Tuesday evening, four days after his arrest in connection with violence during the Bihar Bandh on July 25.
Yadav, the elder son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and a former Mahua MLA, had been booked in connection with clashes between protesters and police near Gate No. 10 of Gandhi Maidan in Patna.
His release followed a Bihar government order directing the withdrawal of FIRs registered during the student agitation and the release of those arrested in connection with the protests.
Arrest And Judicial Custody
Yadav was detained during the Bihar Bandh after he was seen participating in protests alongside students and youths in Patna.
Police initially detained him during the demonstrations but released him from the police station. Officers later traced him to City Centre Mall in Patna, where he was arrested and taken to Naubatpur police station.
After a medical examination, police produced him before a magistrate late that night. The court subsequently sent him to Beur Jail under 14-day judicial custody.
What The FIR Says
According to the FIR registered on the complaint of Vijay Kumar Tiwari, an assistant sub-divisional officer deployed as a magistrate at Gandhi Maidan Gate No. 10 on July 25, a large crowd gathered at the site around 12.30pm.
The FIR states that protesters were carrying flags and banners associated with the Cockroach Janata Party and the All India Students Association (AISA), and were raising slogans against the administration.
According to the police complaint, repeated announcements were made informing protesters that permission was required for the demonstration. The FIR alleges that the crowd later became aggressive and pelted police personnel with bricks and stones.
The complaint alleges that Yadav arrived at the site with his supporters and joined the protesters, after which the situation escalated further.
The FIR claims that around half a dozen police personnel, including Gandhi Maidan SHO Akhilesh Mishra, were injured during clashes. It also alleges damage to government vehicles at the site.
Police said they attempted to apprehend Yadav at Gandhi Maidan but he escaped by taking advantage of the crowd. The FIR sought action against him and around 1,000 unidentified protesters.
The allegations in the FIR have not been established by a court.
Yadav Had Supported The Bihar Bandh
Yadav had reached Gandhi Maidan in support of students participating in the Bihar Bandh. During the protest, he was seen carrying the national flag and addressing demonstrators.
He also participated in demonstrations in areas under the jurisdiction of the Kotwali and Gandhi Maidan police stations.
At the time of his detention, Yadav said he stood with the students and was prepared to sacrifice his life for their rights.
Health Concerns In Beur Jail
Yadav’s health reportedly deteriorated during his stay at Beur Jail. He was placed under medical observation after complaining of chest pain and restlessness.
According to reports, he was taken to the jail hospital three times during his custody.
Yadav had also sought an air-conditioned barrack, home-cooked food and a more comfortable bed. The jail administration reportedly declined the requests, stating that facilities outside the provisions of the jail manual could not be provided.
He was released from custody on Tuesday evening following the government’s directive.
