PATNA: The situation turned tense in Patna on Saturday during the Bihar Bandh called by student organisations, as violent clashes erupted between protesters and police at several locations.
Stone-pelting, police lathi-charge, and incidents of vandalism were reported, while similar protests were held in several other districts across the state.
Large numbers of students and protesters gathered near Gandhi Maidan from Saturday morning in support of the shutdown, raising slogans over the alleged NEET paper leak, police action against students, and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. However, Pradhan has already resigned.
Tensions escalated near Ramghulam Chowk when protesters and police confronted each other.
According to police, some protesters resorted to stone-pelting, prompting security personnel to launch a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.
The confrontation created panic in the area, with reports of several vehicles being vandalised during the unrest.
In a dramatic display of protest, some demonstrators also climbed mobile towers, prompting authorities to further strengthen security arrangements.
Police dispersed protesters from different parts of the city and deployed additional personnel in sensitive areas.
Security remained particularly tight around Gandhi Maidan, Ramghulam Chowk, Patna University, and adjoining localities to prevent further escalation.
Adding a political dimension to the protest, Tej Pratap Yadav reached Gandhi Maidan carrying the national flag in support of the Bihar Bandh.
The shutdown had been called by student organisations, including the All India Students Association (AISA) and the Rashtriya Yuva Andolan (RYA).
Protesters demanded strict action over the NEET paper leak, reforms in the examination system, and an inquiry into alleged police excesses against students.
Meanwhile, the situation also turned tense in Lakhisarai, where a student-led protest allegedly turned violent after some participants were accused of vandalism.
Police resorted to a lathi-charge to restore order.
During the operation, police constable Varsha Kumari (Constable No. 396), who was deployed on duty, sustained injuries and was taken for medical treatment.
Additional police forces were deployed to stabilise the situation.
The demonstration had initially remained peaceful but deteriorated after some individuals allegedly began vandalising property and disturbing public order.
Police stated that the use of force was necessary to disperse the crowd and restore normalcy.
Authorities have intensified security in the district and said efforts are underway to identify those responsible for disrupting law and order.
Officials reiterated that while peaceful protests are permitted, strict action would be taken against anyone involved in violence, vandalism, or obstruction of government duties.
Beyond Patna and Lakhisarai, the bandh also witnessed protests in Gaya, Saharsa, Sasaram, Ara, and Chhapra.
Demonstrators blocked roads and raised slogans at several locations.
Security was heightened at major intersections, railway stations, and bus terminals in Gaya.
In Saharsa, protesters blocked traffic near Kachhari Chowk, while demonstrations were also held in Sasaram and Ara.
In Chhapra, students staged a sit-in at Municipality Chowk, disrupting traffic for some time before police restored order.
--IANS
