Bihar Bandh Witnesses Widespread Unrest Across Several Districts; Stone Pelting, Vandalism and Clashes Reported from Patna to Chhapra, Siwan, Sitamarhi, Purnia and Sasaram
Patna: A statewide shutdown (Bihar Bandh) called on Saturday in support of the alleged NEET paper leak issue and the ongoing student movement witnessed widespread protests across several districts of Bihar. From Patna to Chhapra, Siwan, Sitamarhi, Purnia, Saharsa, Sasaram, and other parts of the state, demonstrators organized road blockades, protest marches, and slogan-shouting campaigns. In several locations, the protests turned violent, with incidents of stone pelting, vandalism, and clashes with police reported. The situation remained tense throughout the day, prompting authorities to deploy a heavy police presence to maintain law and order.
Since early morning, members of various student organizations and their supporters gathered at major roads, intersections, and government offices to enforce the bandh. Protesters demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak, strict action against those responsible, and comprehensive reforms to strengthen the country's examination system. At many places, students sat on roads, raised slogans against the government, and appealed to the public to support the shutdown.
In the state capital, Patna, traffic remained severely disrupted for several hours at key locations, including Dak Bungalow Square, Gandhi Maidan, Ashok Rajpath, and other major roads. Large crowds occupied the streets, resulting in long traffic jams and significant inconvenience for commuters, office-goers, students, and the general public. Police and district officials remained deployed at sensitive locations throughout the day in an effort to maintain order.
Chhapra witnessed some of the most intense demonstrations. Protesters blocked major roads, and incidents of stone pelting were reported during the agitation. Police deployed additional personnel to bring the situation under control and restore normalcy. The district administration urged residents not to believe rumors and appealed for peace and cooperation.
In Siwan, demonstrators organized marches along major roads and raised slogans against the government. Authorities reported attempts to damage public property in certain areas, prompting police to strengthen security arrangements. Additional forces were deployed at sensitive locations to prevent further escalation.
Sitamarhi also witnessed tense scenes as clashes reportedly broke out between protesters and security personnel. Stone pelting was reported from several locations, creating panic in the area. The administration immediately dispatched additional police forces to restore order and prevent further disturbances.
The Bihar Bandh also affected Purnia and Saharsa, where markets remained partially closed and public transportation services were disrupted. Protesters organized rallies demanding greater transparency and accountability in the examination system. Although demonstrations remained peaceful in many areas, isolated incidents of tension were reported in some localities.
In Sasaram, protesters took to the streets to register their opposition and demand action over the alleged examination irregularities. Traffic movement was affected at several locations, forcing authorities to increase security measures. Police continued patrolling sensitive areas and appealed to the public to maintain peace.
The statewide shutdown also disrupted transportation services across Bihar. Bus services, private vehicles, and other modes of transport were affected, causing inconvenience to thousands of travelers. Commercial activities were impacted as well, with several shops remaining closed for security reasons and many markets witnessing significantly lower business than usual.
The Bihar Police Headquarters had already instructed district police chiefs and civil administrations to remain on high alert. Riot control units, additional police personnel, and senior officers were deployed in vulnerable areas to ensure law and order. Authorities continuously monitored the situation and took immediate action wherever disturbances were reported.
Student organizations maintained that their movement was aimed at protecting the future of students and restoring confidence in the country's examination system. They argued that the alleged paper leak had raised serious questions about the integrity of competitive examinations and demanded a transparent investigation, strict punishment for those responsible, and stronger safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Education experts also emphasized that maintaining the credibility and transparency of national-level competitive examinations is essential. They recommended strengthening question paper security, enhancing surveillance at examination centers, improving cybersecurity measures, and introducing greater institutional accountability to ensure that such controversies do not recur.
For now, the state administration continues to monitor the situation across Bihar. Security arrangements have been reinforced based on reports from different districts. Student organizations have indicated that if their demands are not addressed through concrete action, the movement could continue and expand in the coming days.
