Three people suffered bullet injuries during violent clashes between protesters and police in Bihar’s Siwan district during the July 25 Bihar Bandh, with police confirming that aerial firing was carried out to disperse the crowd while investigating the source of all the gunshot wounds.
Among the injured was Bullet Kumar Gond, who claimed he had travelled from Dumrahar Buzurg village to Siwan to obtain caste, income and residence certificates. He said he was walking towards the District Magistrate’s office when he was struck by a bullet in the leg after becoming caught in the clashes.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Speaking after the incident, Siwan Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha said it had been confirmed that Gond was injured during police firing. However, he added that investigations were continuing to determine how the other two victims, identified as Akash and Arif, sustained bullet injuries, as police personnel were reportedly not deployed at the locations where they were found wounded.
According to the SP, police fired four rounds from long-range weapons and three rounds from pistols as part of aerial firing after protesters allegedly attacked security personnel, damaged public property and resorted to stone-pelting. Authorities are also examining reports of additional gunfire during the violence.
The clashes erupted during a statewide protest over alleged NEET examination irregularities and recent police action against student protesters. Police said protesters damaged 19 government vehicles and one private vehicle, while 58 police personnel, including the district police chief, sustained injuries. A total of 423 people were taken into custody.
Authorities said tear gas, baton charges and aerial firing were used after demonstrations turned violent at multiple locations across Siwan. The Bihar government also suspended internet and mass messaging services in the district for 24 hours, citing concerns that anti-social elements could use social media platforms to spread misinformation and incite further violence.
The incident has intensified political criticism, with opposition leaders questioning the use of force during the protests and demanding an independent inquiry.
