Patna, 25 July
NEET Bandh Turns Violent in Bihar: Police Use Tear Gas, Baton Charge as Clashes Spread Across State
The NEET Bandh Turns Violent in Bihar on Saturday, July 25, as widespread protests against the alleged NEET question paper leak escalated into clashes between students and police across multiple districts. Security forces used tear gas shells, baton charges, and detained several protesters after demonstrations turned violent in Patna, Saran, Siwan, Aurangabad, Bhagalpur, Sitamarhi, Purnia, and Lakhisarai. NEET Bandh Turns Violent in Bihar: Police Use Tear Gas, Baton Charge as Clashes Spread Across State
The statewide bandh, organised by left-wing student organisations, was called to protest alleged examination irregularities and recent police action against student demonstrators. While violence erupted in several districts, protests in Samastipur, Nawada, Jehanabad, and Nalanda remained largely peaceful under heavy police deployment.
NEET Bandh Turns Violent in Bihar as Police Respond With Tear Gas
The NEET Bandh Turns Violent in Bihar after protesters attempted to break barricades, blocked roads, and allegedly pelted stones at police personnel in several locations.
In Patna, clashes broke out near Gandhi Maidan and Dak Bungalow Chouraha, prompting police to fire tear gas shells and use baton charges to disperse the crowd.
Superintendent of Police Puran Chandra Jha said three groups of protesters had gathered in the area, but only one had official permission to stage a demonstration.
“We videographed the entire incident. Police had to use tear gas and mild force after protesters clashed and attempted to breach security arrangements,” the officer said.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya K. Sharma confirmed that several students were detained after they allegedly attacked police personnel with stones.
“They pelted us with stones and tried to damage barricades. We have detained several students, and those responsible will be identified and prosecuted,” Sharma told reporters.
Police are also verifying claims that crude bombs were thrown during the protest.
Opposition Alleges Police Firing in Siwan
As the NEET Bandh Turns Violent in Bihar, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav alleged that police fired at student protesters in Siwan district.
Sharing a video on social media platform X, he claimed that police used AK-47 rifles against demonstrators.
However, Bihar Police did not confirm any firing, and officials said the authenticity of the viral video could not be independently verified. NEET Bandh Turns Violent in Bihar: Police Use Tear Gas, Baton Charge as Clashes Spread Across State.
Former CPI(ML) leader Amarjeet Kushwaha, who attended the protest at JP Chowk, alleged that protesters, including women, were subjected to excessive police action.
Violence Reported Across Several Districts
The NEET Bandh Turns Violent in Bihar spread to several districts, leaving police personnel injured and public property damaged.
Saran (Chhapra)
In Chhapra, protesters allegedly:
- Set an official vehicle on fire
- Damaged several government and private vehicles
- Threw stones at police personnel
Aurangabad
Police said:
- Two police officers sustained injuries.
- One journalist was also injured.
- More than a dozen protesters were detained for alleged stone-pelting.
Bhagalpur
A protest march that began peacefully at Station Chowk turned violent near Tilkamanjhi Crossing.
Protesters blocked roads, threw bricks at police, and vandalised two police vehicles, forcing officers to resort to baton charges.
District Magistrate Alankrita Pandey said the situation was later brought under control, while SSP Pramod Kumar Yadav confirmed that CCTV footage was being examined to identify those involved.
Sitamarhi, Purnia and Lakhisarai Witness Clashes
In Sitamarhi, protesters marching towards the collectorate allegedly attacked police personnel with stones, injuring several officers, including Superintendent of Police Amit Ranjan.
Three vehicles, including one carrying a BJP flag, were reportedly set ablaze.
Meanwhile, in Purnia, demonstrators broke police barricades, damaged private vehicles, and pelted stones at officers before additional police forces restored order.
Lakhisarai also witnessed violent confrontations, forcing police to use baton charges to disperse protesters.
Political Leaders Extend Support to Students
Janshakti Janta Dal chief Tej Pratap Yadav visited Ram Gulam Chowk in Patna to express solidarity with the protesting students before being detained by police.
Student organisations, including the All India Students Association (AISA) and the Revolutionary Youth Association (RYA), organised demonstrations demanding action over the alleged NEET paper leak.
In Nalanda, RYA district president Viresh Kumar alleged that nearly 100 paper leak incidents had occurred during the tenure of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accused the administration of suppressing student voices.
Peaceful Demonstrations Continue Elsewhere
Despite the widespread unrest, demonstrations in Samastipur, Nawada, Jehanabad, and Nalanda remained largely peaceful.
In Samastipur, protesters blocked the Patna-Samastipur highway by burning tyres and raising slogans against the government.
More than a dozen students, including NSUI state vice-president Nishant Yadav, were detained in Madhepura while attempting to stage a protest.
At Ara railway station in Bhojpur district, protesters briefly blocked a passenger train before police cleared the tracks and restored railway services.
Bihar Police Appeal for Calm
Following the violence, authorities cancelled the leave of all police personnel across the state to strengthen security.
Jehanabad Superintendent of Police Kota Kiran Kumar appealed to the public not to spread rumours or misinformation.
“We are committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety. Citizens are requested to cooperate with the administration,” he said.
Officials confirmed that CCTV footage is being reviewed, several protesters have been detained, and strict legal action will be taken against those responsible for violence during the statewide bandh.