Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Bihar cop fired AK-47 as SC warns against police excess
A policeman in a place called Bihar was recorded shooting a rifle into the air while breaking up a group of students who were upset about exams.
The students were protesting because they believed something unfair happened with a government test.
Many people saw the video, and the policeman got in trouble.
The state government said he only fired because he was stuck inside a crowd.
India's highest court talked about what happened.
The court said that just because people are angry and protesting, police are not allowed to use too much force.
It said everyone has the right to protest peacefully.
The judges also said police in every part of India should follow the same fair rules when dealing with protests.
They reminded everyone that every person's life is important.
Abhishek Patel, a Bihar Police SIT constable, was caught on camera firing four rounds from an AK-47 while dispersing protesting students.
The Bihar state government told the Supreme Court that Patel fired into the air after getting 'trapped' in the crowd.
Patel was suspended after the video of the incident went viral.
The Supreme Court said 'mere agitation can't be grounds for police excesses' and called for 'self-evolved discipline' by forces.
The court urged a uniform protocol for handling agitations nationwide and affirmed that the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest.
- Who
- Abhishek Patel, a Bihar Police SIT constable, student protesters, the Bihar state government, and the Supreme Court.
- What
- A constable fired four AK-47 rounds into the air while dispersing student protesters, prompting the Supreme Court to address police conduct during agitations.
- When
- The incident occurred on a Saturday during the 'Bihar Bandh'; the Supreme Court made its remarks on Monday, July 27.
- Where
- Bihar, with a related Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest in New Delhi.
- Why
- Students were protesting irregularities in government examinations, and violence broke out between students and Bihar Police during the bandh.
Protesters and Supreme Court
Bihar government and police
AK-47 firing at protest
Protesters and Supreme Court
The Supreme Court said mere agitation cannot justify police excess, suggesting the firing was an overreaction to a protest.
Bihar government and police
The state government said the constable got 'trapped' in a crowd and fired only four rounds into the air.
Right to protest vs. law and order
Protesters and Supreme Court
The right to peaceful protest is absolutely guaranteed by the Constitution and cannot be denied.
Bihar government and police
Violence broke out between students and police during the Bihar Bandh, and handling of protests must account for anti-social elements.
- Officer involved
- Abhishek Patel, SIT constable, Bihar Police
- Firearm used
- AK-47
- Rounds fired
- Four, into the air
- Government's explanation
- Officer got 'trapped' in the crowd
- Officer's status
- Suspended after video went viral
- Context
- 'Bihar Bandh' called by student organisations and opposition groups
- Protest reason
- Irregularities in government examinations
- Supreme Court's stance
- Mere agitation cannot justify police excess