Protests in Bihar Turn Violent: Three Injured in Police Firing as West Bengal Prepares for Legal Action

In a troubling turn of events, three protesters sustained injuries when police in Siwan district, Bihar, opened fire during a demonstration on Saturday. The unrest stemmed from ongoing protests against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, which have sparked widespread anger across several regions of the state, governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The protests in Siwan were part of a larger movement initiated in Delhi, where youth have been rallying since June 6, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over accusations of examination paper leaks. In a significant development, Pradhan resigned from his position on Saturday. Following this, the Cockroach Janta Party, which had organized a political campaign at Jantar Mantar, decided to halt their protest, claiming that their demands had been met after discussions with the Union government.

Initially, the police resorted to using tear gas and minimal force to control the situation. However, as tensions escalated—reportedly due to demonstrators throwing stones at police officers—the law enforcement eventually resorted to firing shots to disperse the crowd. This confrontation resulted in injuries to several individuals, including Siwan’s Superintendent of Police, Puran Jha, and other officers who were caught in the crossfire.

Meanwhile, in a related incident, police in Jehanabad, Bihar, also resorted to firing during protests against perceived irregularities in competitive exams, marking a concerning trend of escalating violence during civil demonstrations. The situation has raised alarms about the treatment of protesters and the measures used by law enforcement in managing public dissent.

In West Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Saturday that authorities have identified 70 individuals allegedly involved in assaults against police personnel and journalists during protests in Kolkata the previous day. These individuals are expected to face stringent action under the recently enacted West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Public Disorder Act, which aims to deter such violent incidents during protests and ensure the safety of law enforcement and the public alike.

The events unfolding in Bihar and West Bengal reflect a brewing discontent among the youth regarding educational policies and the perceived inadequacies of state governance. As the protests continue, the response from both state and central governments will be under scrutiny, indicating a pivotal moment in the political landscape of India.

Source: scroll.in