Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed disapproval of the BJP-led Centre for allegedly using force against protesting students, citing an incident involving an AK-47 during a protest in Bihar. She questioned the treatment of students, mentioning the filing of FIRs against them in Bihar and Bengal. Gandhi raised concerns about parents being threatened for allowing their daughters to participate in protests, questioning the freedom of girls in India to engage in demonstrations.
Congress MP K.C. Venugopal also condemned the use of an AK-47 during the protests, questioning whether students and youths were being labeled as terrorists. He demanded an explanation from the Centre regarding the authorization of such weapons in Bihar and Delhi. A police officer was suspended after a video circulated showing the firing of an AK-47 during the protests in Siwan district on July 25. The incident occurred during clashes between protesters and police, leading to a violent confrontation that necessitated the use of force to disperse the crowd.
The Bihar Police Headquarters took action following the viral video, suspending the constable responsible for firing the AK-47. Emphasizing the importance of upholding law and order, police officials stated that any breach of protocols is treated seriously. An internal inquiry has been initiated to investigate the incident further, with subsequent actions dependent on the inquiry’s findings. The three injured protesters receiving treatment at Jayprabha Medanta Hospital in Patna, including 15-year-old Md. Arif, are reportedly in stable condition. Arif, who works at a local shop, was injured by a bullet during the unrest but underwent successful surgery to remove it.
Authorities have not disclosed the results of the ongoing inquiry into the AK-47 firing incident, which aims to determine compliance with police procedures and assess the need for additional disciplinary or legal measures.
