Trapped by crowd, cop fired AK-47 during NEET protest: Bihar govt to Supreme Court

According to a LiveLaw report, the state admitted that the AK-47 was a platoon-level weapon used in special operations and is not meant for law-and-order situations. It nevertheless maintained that the police handled the protests with "utmost restraint".

The constable who fired the rifle has been suspended, and departmental proceedings have been initiated against him, the affidavit said. The state also said a ballistic examination is underway to establish the weapon used, as well as the distance and angle of the firing.

What Happened

Per LiveLaw, the affidavit drew a distinction between the AK-47 firing in Siwan's JP Chowk and another incident at nearby Hathi Chowk. According to the state, an assistant sub-inspector fired two rounds from a 9 mm pistol there, leaving three protesters with.

• The additional director general of police has been instructed to preserve all video footage and other records related to the protests.

• The affidavit also said the state was taking steps to preserve evidence in line with the Supreme Court's directions.

• Children below 18 who had no criminal antecedents were released after they executed simple bonds, it said.

Key Details

The three protesters were not hit by the AK-47, the state clarified. They were also not present at the spot where the rifle was fired.

• The government said 222 student protesters with no criminal antecedents were released on bail.

• Between July 22 and July 25, police registered 69 FIRs and made 500 arrests, according to the affidavit.

• The state maintained that the police response was proportionate despite the violence.

Why It Matters

The Bihar government said the NEET protests turned violent in several parts of the state, with both protesters and police personnel injured. It alleged that protesters damaged public property and that police officials dealing with the law-and-order situation were deliberately attacked by.

• One BDO lost an eye, while another was battling for his life after suffering a serious head injury, according to the government.

• The situation was particularly serious in Chapra, where two block development officers, three police inspectors, two sub-inspectors and 11 constables were injured, the state said.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge