Bihar: Police Constable Suspended After Viral Video Shows AK-47 Firing During Student Protest in Siwan
A police officer in Bihar has been suspended following the emergence of video footage showing him discharging an AK-47 assault rifle toward protesting students. The action comes as authorities face mounting scrutiny over law enforcement's handling of widespread student demonstrations triggered by recent competitive examination controversies.
A Bihar Police constable has been suspended after a viral video allegedly showed him firing an AK-47 during a student protest in Siwan district. The incident occurred during the July 25 "Bihar Bandh" demonstrations, which were held over alleged examination irregularities and witnessed clashes between protesters and police in several parts of the state. The Bihar Police Headquarters has ordered a departmental inquiry into the incident.
Viral Footage Leads to Suspension
According to officials, the police headquarters took serious note of the video circulating on social media, which purportedly shows the constable using an AK-47 during the protest. Following a preliminary review, the constable was placed under suspension pending the outcome of a departmental investigation.┬аBihar: Protesters, Police Clash in Patna, Siwan, Chapra During Statewide Shutdown over NEET Paper Leak.
Video Shows Bihar Cop Firing at Protesting Students With AK-47
Police said maintaining law and order remains their primary responsibility and that any deviation from established procedures would be examined thoroughly. The inquiry will determine whether the use of the firearm was in accordance with police protocols and whether further disciplinary or legal action is warranted.┬аBihar Bandh Today: Why Student Groups Have Called a Statewide Shutdown on July 25 and WhatтАЩs Likely To Remain Closed.
Three Protesters Injured
Three people were injured during the violence and are receiving treatment at Jayprabha Medanta Hospital in Patna. Officials have said all three are in stable condition. Among the injured is 15-year-old Md Arif. His family said he was returning home after closing the shop where he worked when he was struck in the neck by a bullet during the unrest. Doctors later removed the bullet through surgery, and his condition is reported to be stable.┬аBihar Bandh Today: Why Student Groups Have Called a Statewide Shutdown on July 25 and WhatтАЩs Likely To Remain Closed.
Protest Linked to Examination Row
The incident took place during the statewide "Bihar Bandh" called by student organisations and supported by opposition parties over alleged examination irregularities. Protesters demanded education reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The demonstrations led to clashes with police in several districts, including Patna, Siwan and Chapra, where authorities used measures such as tear gas and lathi-charge to disperse crowds after incidents of stone-pelting and vandalism were reported.
The incident has drawn political attention, with opposition leaders questioning the use of force against student protesters. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi referred to the Siwan firing while criticizing the Centre's handling of recent student demonstrations, citing the use of an AK-47 in Bihar alongside other instances of police action during protests.
The suspension of the constable is an interim administrative measure, and the departmental inquiry is underway. Police officials said the investigation will establish the circumstances in which the weapon was fired and whether standard operating procedures were followed before deciding on any further action.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2026 12:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).