AK-47 Video Triggers Action Against Bihar Police Constable After Siwan Protest

A Bihar police constable has been suspended after a purported video showing him allegedly using an AK-47 rifle during a student protest in Siwan district on July 25 went viral on social media, officials said on Monday. The authenticity of the video could not be independently verified.

Siwan Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha said the constable, who was posted with the District Intelligence Unit (DIU), was suspended with immediate effect. Departmental proceedings have also been initiated against him.

The SP said no one was injured in the alleged firing and that an inquiry had been ordered to establish the circumstances in which the constable used the rifle during the demonstration.

"There were clear instructions to the police force not to open fire during the demonstration," Jha said.

The incident occurred during protests organised by Left-wing student groups as part of a Bihar Bandh called over the alleged NEET paper leak and police action against protesting students. The bandh witnessed clashes between protesters and police in several districts, including Patna, Saran, Siwan, Aurangabad, Bhagalpur, Sitamarhi, Purnia and Bhojpur. Comparatively mild protests were reported from Samastipur, Nawada, Nalanda, Madhubani and Sheikhpura.

In Patna, protesters allegedly pelted police personnel with stones and bricks at Dak Bungalow crossing, following which several students were detained.

Bihar Assembly Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav also raised the Siwan incident, alleging that police opened fire on students during the bandh. He criticised Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary over the incident and accused the police of using an AK-47 against protesting students.

The police inquiry is expected to determine whether the rifle was used in accordance with official protocols and why the constable allegedly opened fire despite orders prohibiting such action.