Staff Reporter / Patna
A statewide Bihar Bandh called by student groups witnessed widespread violence on Saturday, with protests erupting across at least 20 districts. Siwan emerged as the epicentre of the unrest after police opened fire to disperse a violent mob, leaving three people injured, while nearly three dozen protesters were detained.
According to officials, demonstrations in Siwan’s Gandhi Maidan escalated after protesters allegedly resorted to heavy stone-pelting at security personnel. Police initially used baton charges, tear gas shells, and around 10 rounds of aerial firing in an attempt to control the crowd. As the situation deteriorated further, police opened fire, injuring three persons, all of whom were admitted to the Siwan Sadar Hospital for treatment.
Siwan Superintendent of Police Pooran Kumar Jha was also injured after being hit by stones while leading efforts to restore order. Protesters marched from Gandhi Maidan to JP Chowk, where fresh clashes and stone-pelting were reported before additional security forces were deployed to bring the situation under control.
The bandh, organised in support of the agitation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, witnessed demonstrations across the state. Police said violence was reported in Patna, Saran, Siwan, Aurangabad and Bhagalpur, while protests remained largely peaceful in districts such as Samastipur, Nawada, Nalanda and Jehanabad.
Security was tightened across Bihar, with heavy deployment of police personnel, cancellation of leave for officers and flag marches in sensitive areas.
Police said nearly 36 protesters have been taken into custody in Siwan and are being questioned. Authorities are also examining video footage to identify those involved in the violence and damage to public property.
The Bihar Bandh triggered demonstrations in at least 20 districts, with reports of violent incidents emerging from eight districts, including Patna, Siwan, Sitamarhi, Bhagalpur, Purnea, Kishanganj and Chhapra.
Officials said the Superintendents of Police in Siwan and Sitamarhi sustained injuries during clashes with protesters, while Bhagalpur District Magistrate Alankrita Pandey narrowly escaped during an attack by agitators.
Incidents of arson were reported from Chhapra and Sitamarhi, where police vehicles were set ablaze. In Patna, protesters allegedly overturned two police vehicles near Gandhi Maidan. Police vehicles were also attacked in Bhagalpur, Purnea and Kishanganj, while attempts were reportedly made in several districts, including Bhagalpur and Sitamarhi, to target district collectorate premises and the residences of district magistrates.
In Patna, police intensified their crackdown near Gandhi Maidan Gate No. 10, detaining several protesters, including female students. Security personnel were seen dispersing demonstrators as heavy police deployment continued across sensitive areas. Authorities said the situation remains under close watch and appealed for calm while investigations into the violence continue.
Student leaders reiterated their demand for accountability over alleged examination paper leaks and called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.