NEET Paper Leak Protest Intensifies, Demonstrators Detained in Patna; Heavy Security Across the State

NEET Paper Leak Protest Intensifies, Demonstrators Detained in Patna; Heavy Security Across the State

Patna: The impact of the Bihar Bandh called by student organizations over the alleged NEET paper leak, the demand for the resignation of the Union Education Minister, and the reported lathi-charge on student protesters became visible across several districts of the state on Saturday. Protesters associated with All India Students' Association (AISA) and the Inquilabi Naujawan Sabha (Inous) took to the streets, blocked roads, and staged demonstrations at multiple locations.

In view of the bandh, the Bihar administration made elaborate security arrangements across the state. The highest level of vigilance was maintained in the capital, Patna, where police personnel were deployed in large numbers at major intersections, educational institutions, and other sensitive locations. Authorities monitored the situation throughout the day to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure public safety.

Bihar Bandh Gains Momentum

From early Saturday morning, student organizations began organizing rallies and demonstrations in different parts of Bihar. Protesters marched through city streets, raised slogans, and demanded action over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

The protesters alleged that the controversy surrounding the examination had affected the future of thousands of students. They also criticized the reported police action against student demonstrators during earlier protests and demanded accountability.

Several roads in different districts were blocked as part of the agitation, causing temporary disruption to traffic and affecting normal movement in some areas.

AISA and Inous Workers Block Roads

Members of AISA and Inous organized demonstrations by blocking roads at several places across the state. Protesters sat on roads, raised slogans, and displayed banners demanding justice for students.

Their primary demands included a transparent investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak, strict action against those responsible, and accountability regarding the reported police action on students.

The demonstrations remained peaceful at several locations, while police closely monitored the gatherings to prevent any escalation.

Patna Police on High Alert

In Patna, security arrangements were tightened from the early hours of the morning. Large contingents of police personnel were deployed at important intersections, government offices, educational institutions, and other sensitive areas.

Officials stated that additional security forces were kept on standby to respond immediately if required. Police patrol vehicles continuously monitored important roads, and senior officers personally supervised security arrangements.

Authorities appealed to protesters to demonstrate peacefully without disrupting public order.

Protesters Detained in Patna

According to police officials, several protesters were taken into preventive custody during the demonstrations.

By Saturday morning, 17 protesters had been detained from the Gandhi Maidan Police Station area, while four others were detained from the Kotwali Police Station area. Police said the detentions were made as a preventive measure to maintain law and order and prevent disruption to public life.

Officials stated that necessary legal procedures were being followed in connection with the detentions.

Students Stopped at JP Golambar

As student groups moved towards JP Golambar to organize a demonstration, police intervened and stopped them before they could assemble in large numbers.

Authorities immediately detained several students who had gathered at the location, citing security concerns and the need to prevent traffic disruption and maintain public order.

The police action led to a brief period of tension, but the situation remained under control.

Tight Security Around Patna University

Keeping the bandh in view, security arrangements around Patna University were significantly strengthened.

Personnel from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) were deployed in and around the university campus. Security forces established a protective perimeter around the institution to prevent unauthorized gatherings and ensure that the situation remained peaceful.

Police teams also conducted regular patrols in nearby areas to monitor developments throughout the day.

Traffic and Public Life Affected

The bandh affected traffic movement at several locations in Bihar. Road blockades and demonstrations resulted in temporary traffic congestion, causing inconvenience to commuters.

Public transport services experienced disruptions in some areas, while police worked to regulate traffic and restore normal movement wherever possible.

Essential services, including hospitals, ambulance services, and emergency response vehicles, continued to operate under police protection.

Administration Appeals for Peace

The Bihar administration appealed to citizens to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Officials urged protesters to conduct demonstrations in a peaceful and lawful manner without damaging public property or disrupting essential services.

Senior police officers warned that any attempt to incite violence or disturb law and order would invite strict legal action.

Student Organizations Reiterate Their Demands

During the demonstrations, student organizations reiterated several key demands, including:

• A fair and transparent investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak.
• Strict legal action against those found responsible for examination irregularities.
• Accountability for the reported police lathi-charge on student protesters.
• Resignation of the Union Education Minister on moral grounds.
• Measures to restore transparency and public confidence in the country's competitive examination system.

Student leaders stated that their movement aims to protect the interests of students and ensure fairness in the examination process.

Opposition Support Adds Political Significance

The Bihar Bandh has also drawn support from several opposition political parties, adding to its political significance. Political observers believe the participation of opposition leaders and student organizations has expanded the scope of the protest across multiple districts.

The bandh has become a focal point of political debate, with discussions centering on examination integrity, student rights, and the handling of public demonstrations.

Administration Continues Monitoring

As demonstrations continued in different districts, district administrations and police headquarters remained in constant coordination. Senior officials monitored developments through control rooms and field reports to ensure timely intervention wherever necessary.

Police maintained surveillance at railway stations, bus terminals, highways, educational institutions, and crowded public places to prevent any untoward incidents.

Situation Remains Under Watch

By the afternoon, protests had been reported from several parts of Bihar, though authorities stated that the overall situation remained under control. Security forces continued to patrol sensitive areas while urging citizens to avoid rumors and rely only on official information.

With the Bihar Bandh continuing through the day, the administration remained focused on maintaining peace, protecting public property, and ensuring that essential services functioned without interruption. Meanwhile, student organizations indicated that they would continue pressing their demands until their concerns regarding the alleged NEET paper leak and the treatment of protesters are addressed.