Indian authorities have suspended a police constable after he fired an AK-47 assault rifle into the air while attempting to disperse student protesters in Bihar, adding fresh controversy to nationwide demonstrations that have raised serious questions about examination security and the government’s handling of protests.
Officials acknowledged that using the weapon during the confrontation was unjustified and confirmed that disciplinary action had been initiated.
Police Officer Suspended After Rifle Incident
The incident occurred on Saturday in Siwan, located in India’s eastern state of Bihar.
Videos circulating on social media showed a police officer in riot gear moving toward a group of protesters before firing at least three rounds into the air with an AK-47 rifle.
Senior police official Nilesh Kumar confirmed that no one was injured during the incident.
“The AK-47 was used wrongly. It cannot be justified in any way,” Kumar said, adding that the officer had been suspended pending further action.
Authorities explained that the constable belonged to a specialized intelligence unit that normally handles dangerous criminal cases, where personnel may be issued such weapons.
Student Protests Continue Across India
The demonstrations began after question papers for India’s national medical entrance examination were allegedly leaked earlier this year.
The controversy triggered widespread anger among students and parents and led authorities to cancel the affected examination results and organize a fresh examination for more than two million students.
Beyond the examination controversy, many protesters have raised broader concerns about:
- Youth unemployment
- Lack of government accountability
- Job insecurity linked to artificial intelligence
- Limited career opportunities for graduates
Opposition Criticizes Police Response
Opposition leaders strongly condemned the police response during parliamentary proceedings.
Congress Party President Mallikarjun Kharge described the incident as a serious concern for democratic rights and criticized the reported use of an assault rifle during a confrontation with student demonstrators.
Parliamentary proceedings were also disrupted as lawmakers debated the government’s handling of the protests and the police response.
Supreme Court Judge Raises Concerns
The incident has also drawn attention from India’s judiciary.
Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan expressed concern that the space for peaceful public protest may be shrinking in the country.
He emphasized the importance of citizens being able to express their opinions and participate in peaceful demonstrations without facing excessive force.
Pressure on Government Continues
The student movement has placed significant pressure on the Indian government, with protesters demanding greater accountability over examination security, employment opportunities, and the treatment of demonstrators.
The suspension of the police officer is now another focal point in the wider controversy. As protests continue, the incident has intensified debate over police conduct, students’ rights, and the government’s responsibility to protect peaceful demonstrations while maintaining public order.
