A viral video from Bihar’s Siwan district has triggered a major political and public controversy after a police constable was allegedly seen using an AK-47 during a student protest. The incident reportedly took place on July 25 during the Bihar Bandh, which was organised amid growing anger over alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG examination. The video quickly spread across social media, showing a police personnel in protective gear carrying a rifle while moving towards protesters. The footage has raised serious questions about the level of force used by the police during demonstrations involving students.
Following the circulation of the video, the Bihar Police Headquarters took cognisance of the matter. Siwan Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha confirmed that the constable, who was posted with the District Intelligence Unit, had been suspended with immediate effect. Departmental proceedings have also been initiated. Authorities have said that an inquiry will examine the circumstances in which the rifle was used during the protest.
However, important details remain contested. The authenticity and complete context of the viral footage have not been independently verified by every news organisation. Police officials have maintained that the circumstances surrounding the incident need to be investigated before final conclusions are drawn. The Siwan SP said that no one was injured in the firing, while other reports and protesters have made claims about injuries during the broader confrontation. These differing accounts have added to the controversy.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of intense student anger. Demonstrations had been taking place in several parts of Bihar, with student organisations demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities and calling for political responsibility. The protests eventually contributed to a statewide shutdown, during which clashes were reported at several locations.
The use of a weapon such as an AK-47 during a public protest has naturally created concern among citizens. Critics argue that police action during demonstrations must follow a clear escalation process and that the use of firearms should be subject to strict legal and operational rules. Supporters of the police, however, have argued that law enforcement officers may face dangerous situations when protests become violent and that the full sequence of events must be examined before judging the officer.
The suspension is therefore being seen as an initial disciplinary step rather than the final conclusion of the case. The central questions remain: What exactly happened at the protest site? Was the weapon fired into the air or towards protesters? Was there any direct order from senior officers? And were the actions of the constable consistent with police procedures?
The controversy has now moved beyond a single viral video. It has become part of a larger national debate over student protests, police accountability, the right to dissent and the state’s response to public anger. The investigation will be closely watched because its findings could determine whether the incident was an individual breach of protocol or part of a broader failure in crowd-control management.