Political tensions escalated in Bihar on Wednesday as Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav was detained by police during the Rashtriya Janata Dal's (RJD) march towards Raj Bhavan in Patna. The demonstration was organised to demand accountability from the state government following allegations that an AK-47 assault rifle was used by police during a student protest in Siwan district the previous month—an incident that sparked widespread outrage over the administration's handling of youth grievances.
The march, which brought together RJD Members of Parliament, state legislators, and senior party figures, gathered at JP Golambar before attempting to head towards the Governor’s residence. As security forces intervened, police deployed water cannons to disperse the crowd before detaining Yadav, whose police transport vehicle was promptly surrounded and mounted by throngs of supporters. During the rally, one demonstrator was seen carrying a mock AK-47 in reference to the Siwan controversy.
Addressing supporters during the demonstration, Yadav affirmed that the opposition would maintain its agitation until justice was served. He insisted that the party would not be intimidated by detentions and pledged to continue campaigning on issues such as paper leaks, structural unemployment, and examination transparency. He also alleged that the force used by law enforcement, including the deployment of water cannons, was directed by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
RJD MP Misa Bharti, who participated in the march, highlighted broader concerns regarding examination paper leaks and youth unemployment across the state. Turning to the Siwan incident, she claimed that the state government had acknowledged before the Supreme Court that an AK-47 was present, arguing that the relevant district magistrate should be suspended for permitting such force.
The controversy stems from a viral video from 25 July depicting a constable wielding an AK-47 during a student protest against the NEET exam leak; police authorities subsequently suspended the officer and launched an inquiry, clarifying that no injuries occurred and that standing orders prohibited firing during demonstrations.
Other RJD leaders echoed calls for systemic reform as they sought to present a formal petition to the state Governor. MP Manoj Jha stated that students and young voters were increasingly disillusioned by recurring examination scandals, while state legislator Alok Kumar Mehta asserted that submitting a memorandum to the Governor as the constitutional head of the state was a necessary step given the administration's perceived inaction.
Also read: Siwan SP shifted over use of AK-47 at student protest
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