RJD leaders Tejashwi Yadav, Misa Bharti detained in Patna protest over NEET leaks

Patna, August 19, 2026: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav and party MP Misa Bharti, were detained by Patna police on Wednesday during a protest march towards Lok Bhawan. The demonstration was organised to condemn police action against students agitating over the NEET question paper leak in Bihar last month.

The protest began at J.P. Golumbar near Gandhi Maidan, where party leaders and supporters gathered before setting off on foot. As the marchers attempted to move towards Lok Bhawan, police stopped them at the Income Tax chouraha, using water cannons to disperse the crowd. Several leaders and workers were subsequently taken into custody and transported in buses.

During the detention, RJD leaders raised slogans, including “Jo Gen-Z ki baat karega, wohi desh mein Raj karega” (Those who speak for Gen-Z will rule the country), reflecting the party's focus on youth concerns, particularly unemployment and exam irregularities.

A few RJD workers were seen carrying toy replicas of AK-47 rifles to symbolically condemn the July 25, 2026 firing incident in Siwan district, where police reportedly used sophisticated weapons against students protesting against the NEET paper leak. A video that went viral on social media purportedly showed a police constable using an AK-47 rifle during that protest. The constable was subsequently suspended. Police officials have stated that no one was injured in the incident, and an inquiry was initiated given the standing instructions that prohibited opening fire during demonstrations.

Speaking to reporters after being detained, Mr. Yadav said, “We had assembled to go to Lok Bhawan but police stopped us at I-T chouraha. We are not afraid of going to jail.” He was then led to a police bus along with other party leaders and workers.

RJD MP Manoj Jha, who participated in the foot march, said students and youth across the country, particularly in Bihar, were angry over recurring paper leaks and unemployment. He called for a thorough investigation and accountability.

The detentions come amid ongoing protests by students in Bihar demanding action against those responsible for the NEET paper leak, which affected thousands of aspirants. The Bihar government has faced criticism from opposition parties over its handling of the protests, while the police have defended their actions as necessary to maintain public order.

This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.