Tejashwi Yadav Arrested Amid Protests Against Bihar Police’s AK-47 Firing Incident

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav was taken into custody on Wednesday during a protest rally against the Bihar Police’s use of an AK-47 rifle to disperse demonstrators. The protests were sparked by allegations of irregularities in competitive examinations that have left many young candidates feeling disenfranchised.

The unrest in Bihar took a serious turn when the police opened fire on protesters, leading to injuries among three individuals in Siwan district on July 25. Reports indicate that tensions escalated as demonstrators allegedly resorted to throwing stones at the police. The situation had previously turned violent in Jehanabad on July 23, prompting police to use their firearms. These demonstrations were part of a nationwide outcry in solidarity with a youth movement in Delhi that was demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, the then Union Minister for Education. Pradhan eventually resigned on July 25 amidst the growing unrest.

Tejashwi Yadav, while participating in the march towards Lok Bhavan in Patna, expressed deep concerns over the government’s handling of the situation. He criticized the administration for its aggressive tactics, stating, “This government, which resorts to AK-47s, is jeopardizing the future of our students. We cannot allow the ongoing paper leaks and other irregularities to continue unchecked.” His sister, Misa Bharti, an RJD MP, was also detained later during a party march to the governor’s residence to protest against the police’s actions during recent demonstrations.

The Bihar government has been under scrutiny, especially after disclosing to the Supreme Court that a police constable discharged four rounds from his AK-47 rifle into the air while surrounded by the protesting crowd, claiming he felt ‘trapped’. The use of such extreme measures has sparked widespread outrage among the public, especially among the youth who feel that their grievances are being ignored by the authorities.

The ongoing protests highlight a growing discontent among students and aspirants regarding the integrity of competitive examinations in Bihar. Many believe that systemic issues, such as corruption and mismanagement, have led to frequent allegations of paper leaks, further fueling the protests. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the state government will address the concerns raised by the youth and restore confidence in the examination processes.

Source: scroll.in