Massive Protest in Patna Over NEET Paper Leak, Police Resort to Lathi-Charge at Dak Bungalow Crossing; Several Detained
Patna: Protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, the demand for the resignation of the Union Education Minister, and the reported police action against student demonstrators intensified in Bihar's capital on Saturday. Members of the All India Students' Association (AISA) and supporters of the Rashtriya Yuva Andolan staged a large demonstration in Patna, leading to a tense confrontation with police at several locations.
The protest witnessed dramatic scenes as some demonstrators climbed a mobile tower near Ramgulam Chowk, while others attempted to march toward major intersections in the city. The situation later escalated at Dak Bungalow Crossing, where police used lathi-charge to disperse protesters after tensions reportedly increased. Several demonstrators were taken into custody during the operation.
Protest Begins in Central Patna
The demonstration began in the morning as students and youth activists gathered at different locations across Patna to protest against the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and to demand accountability from the central government.
Protesters carried banners and placards, raised slogans, and called for a transparent investigation into the alleged paper leak. They also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging moral responsibility over the controversy.
The protest attracted participants from student organizations as well as supporters of various social and political groups.
Demonstrators Climb Mobile Tower
One of the most dramatic moments of the protest occurred near Ramgulam Chowk, where a group of demonstrators climbed a mobile communication tower to draw attention to their demands.
The incident created a tense atmosphere in the area, prompting police and administrative officials to rush to the spot. Security personnel tried to persuade the protesters to come down peacefully while ensuring public safety around the location.
The unusual protest drew the attention of passersby and quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the day's agitation.
Tej Pratap Yadav Joins Protest
During the protest, RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav reached the demonstration site and expressed support for the protesting students. He waved the Indian national flag while interacting with demonstrators and criticized the handling of the student movement.
His arrival further intensified the political significance of the protest, as supporters gathered around him and raised slogans in support of the movement.
According to reports, police later took Tej Pratap Yadav into custody along with several protesters during the operation to restore order.
Protest Reaches Dak Bungalow Crossing
Despite heavy police deployment and multiple security barricades across the city, groups of protesters managed to reach Dak Bungalow Crossing, one of Patna's busiest intersections.
The crowd raised slogans and staged a demonstration at the location, resulting in disruption to traffic and normal movement. Authorities attempted to convince the protesters to disperse peacefully.
However, as tensions reportedly increased, the situation became increasingly difficult to control.
Police Resort to Lathi-Charge
Police subsequently carried out a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd after the protest turned confrontational, according to official accounts.
Several protesters ran from the area to avoid police action, while others were removed from the protest site by security personnel. The operation was carried out in the presence of senior police and administrative officials.
The incident has once again sparked debate over crowd-control measures during public demonstrations.
Allegations of Stone-Pelting
According to police officials, some protesters allegedly threw stones and large bricks at security personnel and attempted to damage police barricades.
Officials said the alleged stone-pelting created a serious law-and-order situation, requiring immediate intervention by the police to prevent further escalation.
Some protesters, however, maintained that they were demonstrating to press their demands. Accounts of how the confrontation unfolded may differ, and authorities are continuing to review the incident.
Patna SSP Monitors Operation
Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya K. Sharma, wearing protective headgear, personally supervised the police operation at the protest site.
Addressing the media, the SSP stated that protesters allegedly pelted stones at police personnel and attempted to break through security barricades. He said police acted to restore public order and prevent damage to public property.
The SSP added that the administration would take legal action against anyone found involved in violence or vandalism.
Several Protesters Detained
Police detained several demonstrators during and after the protest. Officials said the detentions were made to restore normalcy and maintain law and order in the city.
The identities of those detained were being verified, and legal procedures were being initiated in accordance with the law.
Authorities also indicated that CCTV footage and other evidence would be examined to identify individuals allegedly involved in unlawful activities.
Security Tightened Across Patna
Following the clashes, security was further strengthened across Patna. Additional police personnel were deployed at major intersections, government offices, educational institutions, railway stations, and other sensitive locations.
Rapid Action Teams and reserve police forces remained on standby to respond to any fresh incidents. Traffic police also worked to restore normal vehicle movement after the demonstrations.
Political Reactions Continue
The protest has triggered fresh political debate in Bihar, with opposition leaders criticizing the handling of the student movement, while the administration has maintained that law and order must be preserved during public demonstrations.
Political observers believe the issue of the alleged NEET paper leak and the response to student protests is likely to remain a significant topic in the state's political discourse.
Investigation and Legal Action
Police officials have stated that the incidents during the protest are being investigated. CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and other evidence are expected to be reviewed as part of the inquiry.
Authorities reiterated that peaceful protest is a democratic right, but warned that any acts of violence, damage to public property, or attacks on security personnel would invite legal action.
As investigations continue, the events in Patna have once again brought attention to the challenges of balancing public demonstrations with maintaining law and order, while the debate surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak and the demands of protesting students continues across Bihar.
