The Bihar bandh called in protest against the alleged NEET paper leak witnessed widespread demonstrations across the state on Wednesday, with reports of stone-pelting, police lathi charges, road blockades and arson emerging from several districts. The shutdown, backed by student organisations and political parties, disrupted normal life in parts of Bihar as protesters intensified their demand for accountability over the examination controversy and sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Protests were reported from Patna, Chhapra, Siwan, Gaya, Ara, Samastipur, Saharsa and Nawada, prompting heavy deployment of security personnel. While many demonstrations remained peaceful, clashes broke out at several locations, leaving multiple people injured.
In the state capital, students and activists assembled near JP Golambar and Ramgulam Chowk at Gandhi Maidan to participate in the bandh. Police stopped protesters from marching ahead and dispersed gatherings at multiple locations. Authorities resorted to a lathi charge to control the crowd, while several protesters were detained during the demonstrations. A heavy police presence across Patna limited the impact of the bandh, with personnel maintaining strict vigil around Gandhi Maidan to prevent large congregations.
Janshakti Janata Dal president Tej Pratap Yadav, elder son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, joined the protesters and climbed the Ram Gulam statue at Gandhi Maidan to express support for the bandh.
The most serious violence was reported from Chhapra, where a protest near Thana Chowk turned confrontational. Demonstrators allegedly pelted stones at police personnel, prompting officers to carry out a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Additional police forces were rushed to the area after several people sustained injuries during the clashes, as per reports.
In Siwan, protesters vandalised public property, leading authorities to deploy extra security personnel to restore order.
Meanwhile, AISA and RYA activists staged demonstrations in Jagdishpur in Bhojpur district, where they set fire to materials at Nayaka Tola turn while demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Security was tightened around railway stations, district offices and other sensitive installations.
In Samastipur, protesters blocked traffic at Patel Golambar and raised slogans against the Centre and the Education Minister, while in Saharsa, demonstrators staged a road blockade near Thana Chowk, condemning the alleged lathi charge on students in Patna.
Authorities placed several districts on high alert ahead of the bandh, particularly Nawada, where a large student march had been planned.
Around 1,700 police personnel were deployed across 40 sensitive locations in the district. The administration also stationed four Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs), two Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), 28 station house officers, and additional personnel to oversee security arrangements.
Officials monitored the city using drones and CCTV cameras, anticipating participation by more than 2,000 protesters, including members of the Bhim Army.
Bhim Army District President Dharmendra Rajvanshi criticised the Centre and demanded the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. He alleged that students participating in peaceful demonstrations had been subjected to police lathi charges and called for an impartial investigation into the incident. He also warned that the agitation would intensify if the protesters' demands were ignored.
Security was also strengthened at railway stations, bus terminals, district headquarters, government offices and major intersections across Bihar. The administration appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumours as law enforcement agencies remained on alert throughout the statewide bandh.
