Strict Police Action Against Violence and Vandalism During Bihar Bandh: 350 Arrested Across 5 Districts, Cases Filed
During the 'Bihar Bandh' called by various student organizations and political parties against paper leaks, violent clashes, arson, and vandalism were reported in several parts of the state. The administration and police have now taken strict action against these incidents. The legal crackdown is intensifying against troublemakers and those inciting violence by taking the law into their own hands. In the latest crackdown, over 350 people have been arrested so far from 5 major districts, including Patna, Chhapra (Saran), and Sitamarhi. Additionally, First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against several key rioters and unidentified protesters.
Details of Police Action Across Various Districts
During the Bihar Bandh, protesters had turned aggressive in several places. Tires were set on fire on roads, train and bus operations were disrupted, and stone-pelting at police forces was reported at some locations. Following these incidents, the district administrations and Superintendents of Police (SPs) of the concerned districts formed special teams to take prompt action:
Patna: Fierce clashes broke out between protesters and police during the bandh in the capital city. Incidents of vandalism were reported around Dakbungalow Crossing and Yarpur area. Police identified rioters based on videography and CCTV footage, registered cases in various police stations of the capital, and detained a large number of people.
Chhapra (Saran): An aggressive mob during the protests attempted to completely block traffic and targeted government properties in Chhapra. Taking swift action, the police detained several suspects, and named and unnamed cases were registered at local police stations.
Sitamarhi: Major ruckus was witnessed during the bandh in Sitamarhi district as well. Police identified and arrested several rioters accused of blocking railway tracks and indulging in vandalism. Security arrangements have been further tightened here.
Other Affected Districts (e.g., Aurangabad and Gaya): Local police launched sweeping raids against those blocking National Highways (NH) and vandalizing vehicles in these districts. According to police records, a total of 350 rioters have been put behind bars from these 5 districts so far.
Strict Stance of Police Administration and Legal Action
The Bihar Police Headquarters has made it clear that while protesting is a democratic right of every citizen, spreading violence, harassing the general public, and damaging public or private property under its guise will not be tolerated.
Identification Through Video Footage: The police clarified that anyone who participated in vandalism or violence is being identified through media footage, CCTV cameras, and videos recorded by the police. No culprit will be spared.
Severe Charges: Cases under stringent sections including rioting, obstructing government work, assaulting police, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and corresponding sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have been registered against the arrested accused.
Political and Social Reactions
The political atmosphere in the state remains heated over these developments. On one hand, opposition parties are accusing the government of diverting attention from the paper leak issue and suppressing students' voices. On the other hand, ruling parties and the administration maintain that hooliganism and anarchy under the pretext of peaceful protests will not be conceded under any circumstances. The primary objective of the administration is to establish the rule of law and ensure the safety of general citizens in the state.
While the anger of the youth against paper leaks is justified, violent methods of protest pose a major challenge to the democratic system and social peace. This action by the Bihar Police sends a strong message that the law will strictly deal with those who take the law into their own hands. Currently, the situation in the affected districts is under control, and police patrols have been stepped up to immediately deal with any untoward incidents.
