AK-47 Firing, 69 FIRs And 500 Arrests: Bihar Government Details Student Protest Violence In SC

The Bihar government has told the Supreme Court that violence broke out during student protests held across the state between July 22 and 25, denying allegations that police used excessive force without provocation. In an affidavit filed before the court, the state said several police personnel, administrative officials and protesters were injured, while 69 FIRs were registered and around 500 people arrested.

69 FIRs registered, around 500 arrested

According to the Bihar government, 222 student protesters with no previous criminal record have been released on bail. Minors below 18 years of age who had no criminal history have also been released on ordinary bonds.

The state said the protests turned violent at several locations, leading to injuries among police officers, administrative officials and protesters.

In Chhapra, two Block Development Officers (BDOs), three police inspectors, two sub-inspectors and 11 constables were injured, according to the affidavit. One BDO reportedly lost an eye, while another officer suffered serious head injuries.

AK-47 fired in Siwan

The Bihar government also detailed two separate firing incidents during the protests.

In Siwan, a constable allegedly fired four rounds into the air from an AK-47 rifle after being surrounded by a crowd. No one was injured in the incident, according to the state.

The constable was subsequently suspended and a departmental inquiry was ordered.

At Hathi Chowk, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) allegedly fired two rounds from a 9 mm pistol, leaving three protesters with minor bullet injuries.

A ballistic investigation is underway to determine the weapon used, along with the distance and angle of firing.

Supreme Court orders preservation of protest footage

The Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) has been directed to preserve all video footage and other records related to the protests, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions.

The authorities have also been instructed not to disclose the personal data, digital information or identities of protesters on social media or other public platforms.

Delhi Police denies excessive force allegations

The Delhi Police has also filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court, denying allegations of excessive force against students.

According to the police, more than 5,000 personnel were deployed across a three-kilometre area to manage a crowd of over 30,000 protesters.

The police said graded force was used only after the situation went out of control and protesters broke through barricades.

More than 240 police personnel and around 200 protesters were injured during the clashes, the Delhi Police said.

The police also claimed that anti-social elements and former criminals, or history-sheeters, were among those involved in the protest.