PATNA, AUGUST 19: Police in Patna detained Bihar Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav alongside several Rashtriya Janata Dal lawmakers on Wednesday after security forces blocked their protest march toward Raj Bhavan.
The demonstration, organized to demand accountability for police handling of youth grievances, follows widespread outrage over an incident in Siwan district where a police officer was seen handling an AK-47 assault rifle during a student demonstration. As the rally moved from JP Golambar toward the Governor’s residence, security personnel deployed water cannons to disperse the crowd before detaining senior party figures. Throngs of supporters subsequently surrounded and mounted the transport vehicle carrying Tejashwi Yadav, while one demonstrator displayed a replica rifle in reference to the Siwan controversy.
Addressing gathered supporters from detention, Tejashwi Yadav affirmed that the opposition would maintain its campaign until justice is secured. He declared that the party would not be deterred by police action and pledged to continue raising issues regarding paper leaks, systemic unemployment, and examination transparency. He further asserted that the aggressive police response, including the use of water cannons, was executed on the directions of Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
RJD MP Misa Bharti, who joined the march to address broader concerns regarding recurring paper leaks and youth unemployment, claimed that state officials had acknowledged the presence of an AK-47 before the Supreme Court. She maintained that the concerned district magistrate should be suspended for allowing such extreme measures.
The political standoff stems from a viral video recorded on July 25 showing a constable wielding an AK-47 during a student protest over NEET exam irregularities. Police authorities subsequently suspended the constable and launched an internal inquiry, reiterating that standing orders prohibit firing during public demonstrations and clarifying that no injuries occurred.
Party leaders, including MP Manoj Jha and state legislator Alok Kumar Mehta, stated that submitting a memorandum to the Governor as constitutional head remains necessary given the government’s perceived inaction over student disillusionment and examination scandals.
