A police officer was suspended for firing an AK-47 rifle during the ‘Bihar Bandh’ protests in Siwan district on July 25. The suspension came after a video of the officer firing the weapon amid clashes with protesters circulated on social media.
The protests, organized by student groups, led to widespread demonstrations across various districts in Bihar. In Siwan, the situation escalated into violence as protesters and police clashed, resulting in the use of force to disperse the crowd.
The Bihar Police Headquarters took action after a video surfaced allegedly showing a police constable firing the AK-47 during the protest. Authorities emphasized the importance of upholding law and order and stated that any breaches of established protocols are treated seriously.
The injured protesters, including 15-year-old Md. Arif, are receiving treatment at Jayprabha Medanta Hospital in Patna, with their conditions reported as stable. Md. Arif was hit in the neck by a bullet while returning home after the bandh. Doctors successfully removed the bullet during surgery.
An inquiry is underway to determine if the firearm’s use during the protests followed police guidelines and if further disciplinary or legal measures are necessary. Tension rose in Siwan during the Bihar Bandh as student-led protests turned violent, leading to clashes, a lathi-charge, and conflicting reports on the use of force.
