Stone-Pelting, Vandalism and Police Action Reported in Several Districts, Gunshots Fired in Jehanabad
Patna/Muzaffarpur/Darbhanga/Jehanabad/Katihar/Begusarai: A student protest in Bihar turned violent on Thursday, triggering unrest across several districts. Clashes between protesters and police were reported from Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Jehanabad, Katihar, and Begusarai. Demonstrators allegedly resorted to stone-pelting, road blockades, and vandalism, while police responded with baton charges to disperse the crowds. The most serious situation emerged in Jehanabad, where police reportedly fired several rounds after the situation spiraled out of control.
Student organizations had launched statewide demonstrations early Thursday to press their demands. Although the protests began peacefully, tensions escalated as crowds grew larger. Demonstrators blocked major roads, disrupting traffic for hours and causing significant inconvenience to commuters and local residents.
In Muzaffarpur, hundreds of students gathered at key intersections, raising slogans against the government. The protest intensified after confrontations between demonstrators and police. Stone-pelting was reported in several areas, damaging vehicles and creating panic. Police later used mild force to disperse the crowd. Although the protesters scattered into smaller groups, tension continued to prevail in several parts of the city.
A similar situation unfolded in Darbhanga, where students staged demonstrations and blocked traffic at multiple locations. Police initially attempted to negotiate with the protesters, but as the gathering became increasingly aggressive, a baton charge was carried out. Reports also suggested that several students sustained injuries during the police action. District authorities appealed to residents to maintain peace and refrain from believing rumors circulating on social media.
The most volatile developments occurred in Jehanabad. A large crowd of students and local residents assembled to protest, and authorities alleged that sections of the crowd pelted stones at police personnel and attempted to damage government property. Police first resorted to a baton charge and later used tear gas to disperse the protesters. As the situation reportedly remained uncontrollable, police fired several rounds. The firing triggered panic, with people rushing to safer locations. Additional security forces were immediately deployed across the district to restore order.
In Katihar, protesters blocked major roads and burned tyres, bringing traffic to a standstill for several hours. Police attempted to persuade the demonstrators to clear the roads, but after the protest turned more confrontational, force was used to disperse the crowd. Authorities later stated that the situation had been brought under control after prolonged efforts.
Begusarai also witnessed incidents of vandalism during the protest. According to reports, unidentified miscreants damaged shops and vehicles in different parts of the district. Police conducted a baton charge and detained several individuals. Officials said an investigation had been launched and that those responsible for violence and destruction of property would face strict legal action.
Following the widespread unrest, the Bihar administration placed all sensitive districts on high alert. Additional police personnel were deployed in vulnerable areas, while magistrates accompanied security forces during patrols to prevent further escalation. Officials reiterated that anyone taking the law into their own hands would be dealt with firmly.
Senior police officers emphasized that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, violence, stone-pelting, and damage to public property constitute criminal offences. Authorities said they are identifying those involved through CCTV footage, drone surveillance, and video recordings collected from the affected areas. Strict legal proceedings will be initiated against individuals found responsible for instigating or participating in the violence.
Meanwhile, student organizations accused the police of using excessive force. They claimed that their demonstrations were initially peaceful and that the police response aggravated the situation. Student leaders urged the government to initiate dialogue and address their demands through discussion rather than confrontation.
Political reactions soon followed the incidents. Opposition parties criticized the government, alleging that it was attempting to suppress the voices of students through force. The ruling alliance, however, condemned the violence and maintained that maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the administration, adding that no one would be allowed to disrupt public peace or damage government property.
The administration has appealed to citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading or believing unverified information on social media. Authorities are also monitoring online platforms closely and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found circulating misleading or inflammatory content.
At present, officials say the situation across the affected districts remains tense but under control. Police continue to conduct flag marches in sensitive areas, and security arrangements have been significantly strengthened. The administration's immediate focus remains on restoring normalcy, identifying those responsible for the violence, and ensuring that law and order is maintained throughout the state.
