Bihar Police Use Force to Disperse Students Demanding Pradhan's Ouster

Patna, July 22: Bihar Police on Wednesday used tear gas shells, water cannons, and batons to break up a student march in Patna demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak. The protest was organised by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), affiliated with the CPI(ML) Liberation party.

The confrontation occurred near Gandhi Maidan, about three kilometres from the Governor’s residence, as students attempted to march to Lok Bhavan. CPI(ML) Liberation MLA Sandeep Sourav, a former AISA national general secretary, led the procession.

“We are on the streets to bring the Modi government back to its senses. Our demand is that in the wake of the brutal suppression of the Jantar Mantar protests, not only Pradhan but also Union Home Minister Amit Shah tender his resignation, as the Delhi Police had acted upon his instructions,” Sourav told PTI Videos.

Police officials did not immediately confirm the number of people detained during the Patna protest.

The issue also sparked disruptions in the Bihar Legislative Council during the post-lunch session. RJD MLC Sunil Kumar Singh raised the matter, condemning what he termed “brutal police action”. Other opposition members joined him, leading to heated exchanges with the ruling side. The entire opposition eventually walked out of the House.

Meanwhile, in New Delhi, protesters from the group calling itself the Cockroach Janta Party continued their sit-in at Jantar Mantar, marking the second month of agitation over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.