Bihar Police Face Backlash for AK-47 Use During Student Protests in Siwan

Patna, India Jul 27, 2026 ALN: Siwan (Bihar): Action has been taken against police personnel who were seen firing an AK-47 during a student protest on Saturday in Bihar's Siwan, Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha told ANI on Monday. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious questions about the use of excessive force by law enforcement during public demonstrations, particularly those involving students.

The protests in Siwan emerged as a response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak, which has been a significant issue in educational circles across India. Students have expressed their frustration and anger over the perceived mishandling of the examination process, which they believe undermines the integrity of their future prospects in medical education. The demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reflects a growing sentiment among students and their supporters that accountability is needed at the highest levels of government.

On Sunday, the protests escalated into violence as demonstrators clashed with police personnel. Reports indicate that the situation turned chaotic when participants began pelting stones at law enforcement officials. In response, police deployed tear gas and engaged in a lathicharge—a method often used to disperse crowds. The decision to utilize such measures, particularly in a situation involving students, has drawn criticism from various quarters, as it raises concerns about the proportionality and appropriateness of police responses to civil unrest.

In addition to the turmoil in Siwan, similar unrest was reported in Patna during a statewide shutdown in Bihar called by opposition parties and social organizations. The shutdown was a direct protest against both the NEET paper leak and the police's aggressive tactics against student demonstrators. Reports from Patna indicated that demonstrators vandalized and toppled police vehicles, further complicating the situation and prompting an increase in police presence across affected areas to maintain order and prevent further escalation.

The use of an AK-47 during the protests has particularly alarmed observers and human rights advocates. Such firearms are typically reserved for extreme situations, and their deployment against unarmed protesters, especially students, raises significant ethical and legal questions. The Bihar police's actions have been met with backlash not only from the student community but also from political leaders and civil rights organizations who argue that the use of military-grade weapons against civilians is unacceptable and indicative of a broader trend of state violence against dissent.

In the wake of these events, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. Gandhi's comments reflect a deepening rift between the ruling party and opposition forces, particularly regarding how the government handles protests and dissent. He accused the administration of being "murderous" towards the student community, asserting that the government is resorting to extreme measures to suppress student voices across various states.

In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that the government is employing excessive force, including the use of AK-47s and pellet guns, to quell student protests. His statement underscores a growing narrative among opposition leaders that the current government is increasingly authoritarian, particularly in its approach to dissent. "The entire system is downright murderous against students. News is coming in that AK-47 bullets have been fired at protesting students in Bihar, and hundreds of students have been arrested with FIRs being filed against them," Gandhi stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Gandhi's remarks also included a pointed challenge to Prime Minister Modi regarding previous assurances made to students. He questioned the Prime Minister's commitment to protecting student protesters, asking, "Mr. Modi, where did your promise go that no FIRs would be filed against students and they would be released? Instead, deadly attacks and brutality are being unleashed on them." This challenge highlights the tension between government promises and the reality faced by students, which many perceive as a betrayal of trust.

Furthermore, Gandhi noted a pattern of state-led crackdowns on students across the country, drawing parallels between incidents in different states. "In Delhi, pellet guns were fired at students, and in Bihar, AK-47s. Whether it's Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, or Delhi--the pattern is the same everywhere. I've said it before: this government is dishonest. Real reform is beyond their capability. They'll backtrack on their words and use every trick in the book to suppress students' voices," he added, suggesting that the issue is not isolated but rather part of a broader trend of government repression against dissenting voices.

The implications of these events extend beyond the immediate protests in Siwan and Patna. They highlight a growing discontent among the youth and student populations in India, who are increasingly vocal about their grievances and demands for accountability. The response of the government and law enforcement to these protests may have lasting effects on public trust and the relationship between the state and its citizens. As students continue to mobilize around issues of educational integrity and governmental accountability, the potential for further unrest remains high.

In conclusion, the incident in Siwan serves as a critical reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining public order and respecting the rights of citizens to protest. As the situation unfolds, it will be essential for authorities to address the underlying issues that have led to such unrest, including the NEET paper leak controversy and the broader concerns regarding police brutality. The calls for accountability and reform from opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi may resonate with an increasingly disillusioned electorate, further complicating the political landscape in India as the government navigates these challenges.