Statewide Protests Over Alleged NEET Paper Leak Turn Violent, Police Resort to Lathi-Charge in Several Districts

Statewide Protests Over Alleged NEET Paper Leak Turn Violent, Police Resort to Lathi-Charge in Several Districts

Patna: A statewide Bihar Bandh called by student organizations on Saturday over the alleged NEET paper leak, the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and the reported lathi-charge on student protesters had a significant impact across Bihar. From early morning, students and youth activists took to the streets in Patna, Chhapra, Lakhisarai, Bhojpur, Begusarai, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, and several other districts, staging demonstrations, blocking roads, and raising slogans. The protests disrupted normal life in many parts of the state.

As the day progressed, the situation turned tense in several locations. According to police, some protesters allegedly resorted to stone-pelting and attempted to break security barricades, prompting law enforcement agencies to use lathi-charge to disperse the crowds. Several demonstrators were also taken into preventive custody. Protesters, however, claimed they were demonstrating peacefully and alleged that unnecessary force was used against them. The sequence of events remains disputed, and different parties have presented differing accounts.

Bandh Witnesses Widespread Participation

The Bihar Bandh received a strong response across the state, with student organizations organizing rallies and demonstrations at major intersections, highways, and district headquarters.

Holding banners and placards, protesters demanded a transparent investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak, strict action against those responsible, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Road blockades led to long traffic jams in several places, causing inconvenience to commuters, office-goers, and travelers.

Protests Intensify During the Day

While demonstrations began peacefully in many locations, tensions increased as the day progressed. Minor confrontations between protesters and police were reported from several districts.

In Patna, Chhapra, Lakhisarai, and other areas, demonstrators attempted to remove police barricades and blocked major roads, resulting in severe traffic disruptions.

Stone-Pelting Reported in Several Districts

According to police officials, incidents of stone-pelting were reported in some districts during the protests. Authorities alleged that stones and bricks were thrown at security personnel, making it difficult to maintain law and order.

Officials stated that police initially appealed to the protesters to remain peaceful. However, when the situation reportedly escalated, further action became necessary.

Protesters, on the other hand, maintained that they were exercising their democratic right to protest. Accounts of the incidents vary, and investigations into the events are ongoing.

Police Resort to Lathi-Charge

Following the escalation, police used lathi-charge at several locations to disperse the crowd and restore normalcy.

Many protesters were seen running from the protest sites, while several individuals were taken into preventive custody.

Police officials stated that maintaining law and order was their primary responsibility and that any attempt to damage public property or engage in violence would not be tolerated.

Heavy Security in Patna

The highest level of security was maintained in the state capital, Patna.

Large contingents of police personnel were deployed at major intersections, government offices, universities, railway stations, bus terminals, and other sensitive locations.

Rapid response teams, riot control vehicles, water cannons, and reserve police forces were kept on standby, while senior police officers personally monitored security arrangements throughout the day.

Key Demands of the Student Organizations

The protesting student organizations reiterated several key demands, including:

• A fair and transparent investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak.
• Strict action against those responsible for the alleged examination irregularities.
• Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
• An inquiry into the reported lathi-charge on student protesters.
• Comprehensive reforms to ensure transparency and fairness in competitive examinations.

Student leaders said the movement would continue until their demands were addressed.

Public Life Affected

The Bihar Bandh significantly affected normal life across the state. Traffic movement remained disrupted in several districts due to road blockades and demonstrations.

In some areas, public transport services were also affected. However, the administration ensured that essential services, including hospitals, ambulances, fire services, and emergency response units, continued to function without interruption.

Administration Appeals for Peace

The state administration appealed to citizens to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumors.

Officials emphasized that peaceful protest is a democratic right, but acts of violence, stone-pelting, or damage to public property are violations of the law and would invite strict legal action.

Authorities also stated that CCTV footage, video recordings, and other evidence were being examined to identify individuals allegedly involved in unlawful activities.

Political Reactions Continue

The Bihar Bandh received support from several opposition parties, adding political significance to the protest.

Opposition leaders backed the students' demands and called for a transparent investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak, while the administration reiterated that maintaining law and order remained its top priority.

Political analysts believe the controversy surrounding the alleged examination irregularities and the student movement is likely to remain a major issue in Bihar's political discourse.

Police Investigation Underway

State police said investigations are ongoing into incidents involving alleged stone-pelting, vandalism, and violence reported during the bandh.

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage, digital evidence, and eyewitness accounts to identify individuals allegedly involved in unlawful activities. Officials stated that appropriate legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible for violating the law.

Situation Under Control, Security Remains Tight

By the evening, officials said the overall situation had been brought under control in most districts, although security remained heightened in sensitive areas.

District administrations and police headquarters continued to monitor developments closely through control rooms and field reports.

The Bihar Bandh has once again brought national attention to concerns surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak, the demand for accountability in the examination process, and the handling of student protests. While student organizations have indicated that they will continue their agitation until their demands are met, the administration has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining public order and taking legal action wherever necessary.