Tension escalated in Siwan during a student-led protest as part of the Bihar Bandh, resulting in clashes between demonstrators and police. The situation turned violent with a lathi-charge and stone-pelting amid conflicting reports on the use of force. Police intervened as students marched towards Gandhi Maidan, leading to a confrontation that disrupted normal business activities in the area.
The unrest unfolded as an altercation erupted between protesters and the police, prompting the use of mild force to disperse the crowd. Following alleged stone-throwing incidents that injured police personnel, a lathi-charge was initiated, escalating the confrontation. Stone-pelting intensified, causing panic and forcing shops along the protest route to close down.
Amid the chaos, there were claims of police firing, with a youth alleging a bullet injury. However, the veracity of the alleged firing and the circumstances of the injury remain unverified, with no official confirmation at the time of reporting. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) National Working President Tejashwi Yadav denounced the police’s actions, alleging direct firing at students and demanding accountability for the use of force, including the purported use of AK-47 rifles.
Authorities urged the public to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumors, emphasizing the monitoring of misleading content on social media. An individual was arrested for an objectionable social media post. The protests were part of the Bihar Bandh called by student organizations, focusing on issues like alleged exam paper leaks and educational reforms. Despite Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation impacting the political landscape, demonstrations persisted in various parts of Bihar, with some areas witnessing violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
