Patna: A statewide Bihar Bandh called by student organisations on Saturday over the NEET paper leak and other issues saw clashes at a few places during demonstrations held across the state.
Demonstrations were reported in Patna and several other districts, while authorities deployed heavy security to prevent disruptions.
In Patna, police remained on high alert from early morning, with large contingents stationed at major intersections, educational institutions, and other sensitive locations.
Student activists gathered at Dakbungla Crossing, raising slogans against the government. According to police, some protesters allegedly resorted to stone-pelting, prompting security personnel to use mild force to disperse the crowd, leading to brief chaos.
Sub-Inspector Pramod Kumar sustained a head injury after he was hit during a stone-pelting incident in Bakarganj, Patna.
Police also detained several students who assembled at JP Golambar to participate in the shutdown. Security was significantly strengthened around Patna University, with additional personnel deployed at the main gates, hostels, and surrounding areas.
Authorities maintained intensive patrolling throughout the day at key locations, including Dakbungla Crossing, JP Golambar, Kargil Chowk, Kotwali, Income Tax Crossing, Veerchand Patel Path, the High Court area, Ashok Rajpath, Rajvanshi Nagar Mor, Ashiana, and near the Chief Minister’s residence.
Riot-control vehicles and reserve police units were also positioned at strategic points. Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya K. Sharma said several individuals had been detained for questioning.
He stated that some protesters allegedly arrived carrying stones and engaged in stone-pelting. Police are investigating those involved and how the stones reached the protest site.
He added that attempts to breach police barricades were immediately dealt with, and the situation remained under control.
Political support for the bandh also emerged during the day. Tej Pratap Yadav, National President of the Janshakti Janata Dal, briefly joined protesters at Ram Ghulam Chowk in Patna to express support for the bandh called by Left-backed student organizations before leaving the venue.
The impact of the shutdown extended beyond the capital. Student demonstrations were also reported in Siwan, Chhapra, and Gaya, where protesters demanded action over examination paper leaks and called for the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
Siwan Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha said the law-and-order situation in the district remained completely under control.
He noted that sufficient police personnel had been deployed, reserve forces were on standby, and continuous patrolling was being carried out to ensure peace during the protests.
(IANS)
