Patna Police Disperse Student Protest Over NEET Paper Leak; Clashes Leave Several Injured

Patna, July 24: Bihar police on Wednesday used batons, water cannons and tear gas to disperse a protest march organised by the All India Students’ Association (AISA) demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak. Hundreds of activists, joined by local students and Left-affiliated groups, gathered at Gandhi Maidan and attempted to march towards Lok Bhavan, the state secretariat.

According to police officials, the protesters breached barricades near J.P. Roundabout and moved towards Dak Bungalow, a sensitive area in the state capital. Security personnel from the Bihar police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Shastra Seema Bal (SSB) attempted to stop them but the crowd continued towards Lok Bhavan via Bailey Road. Some protesters allegedly targeted vehicles with BJP stickers, tore party banners and flags, and damaged a gate near the District Magistrate's official residence.

Police used water cannons and tear gas at multiple points to disperse the crowd. However, protesters reached the vicinity of Lok Bhavan and the Chief Minister's residence, where the monsoon session of the Bihar legislature was underway. Officials said some protesters threw stones, injuring several police personnel. Several students, including AISA leaders, were admitted to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) with injuries.

An AISA activist accused the police of using excessive force: “The government’s brutal suppression of a peaceful march is shameful. Many students have head injuries and female students were also beaten.” In response, a senior police officer defended the action, stating that the protesters attempted to breach security arrangements and that necessary measures were taken to maintain law and order.

CPI (ML) MLA Sandeep Saurabh condemned the police action and reiterated the demand for Pradhan’s resignation, saying, “Lakhs of students are being beaten to shield Dharmendra Pradhan. He must take responsibility for the NEET paper leak.”

The confrontation lasted approximately six hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Separate incidents of violence were also reported between BJP and Congress workers during a protest against leader Rahul Gandhi near the Bihar Congress headquarters. Both sides allegedly attacked each other with flagpoles, leaving several injured.

The NEET-UG 2024 exam has been marred by allegations of paper leaks, leading to protests in multiple states. The Union Education Ministry has faced criticism for its handling of the issue, with opposition parties demanding a probe and the resignation of Minister Pradhan. The government has maintained that strict action will be taken against those involved in any irregularities.