Cop suspended after video shows him firing AK-47 during Bihar student protest

Patna: A police constable in Bihar was suspended after a video purportedly showing him firing an AK-47 during a student protest in Siwan went viral on social media, prompting calls for strict action and a departmental inquiry.

The incident reportedly took place during the July 25 statewide Bihar Bandh, organised amid protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Large groups of students took to the streets in several districts, with clashes between protesters and police reported at multiple locations.

According to police officials, Bihar Police Headquarters took serious note of the video and ordered the suspension of the officer. A detailed departmental inquiry has also been initiated to determine whether the use of the firearm was in accordance with established police protocols.

Officials said any violation of prescribed procedures would be dealt with seriously. Further disciplinary or legal action will be considered based on the findings of the inquiry.

Three protesters injured in Siwan firing

Three protesters injured during the unrest in Siwan were undergoing treatment at Jayprabha Medanta Hospital in Patna. Their condition was reported to be stable.

Among those injured was 15-year-old Md Arif, who, according to his family, worked at a local shop. He was reportedly returning home after closing the shop during the bandh when he was struck in the neck by a bullet.

Doctors later removed the bullet during surgery, and the teenager was reported to be in stable condition.

Opposition leaders demand action

The incident drew criticism from opposition leaders. Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav shared a video of the incident and called for action against officials found responsible.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also raised the issue, drawing a comparison between the alleged use of pellet guns against protesting students in Delhi and the firing of an AK-47 during the Bihar protest.

Meanwhile, the statewide shutdown saw large student gatherings and demonstrations in several districts. Police reportedly used measures including lathicharge, tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters at some locations.

In Siwan, a large number of students marched towards Gandhi Maidan while raising slogans. The situation later escalated following an altercation between protesters and police.

A Public Interest Litigation has also been filed in the Supreme Court by Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha in connection with the incident.

The departmental inquiry is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the firing and determine whether the officer's actions complied with police rules and protocols.