2 weeks ago
Bihar Removes Siwan Police Chief After AK-47 Fired During Protest
In India, police officers are supposed to keep people safe.
Sometimes, when people protest, police have to control very big crowds.
In a place called Siwan, a police officer fired a big gun called an AK-47 during a student protest.
Some people thought this was too dangerous.
The police said the officer only fired the gun into the air and that he did so because he was trapped in the middle of a huge crowd.
They also said the gunshots did not hurt anyone.
The officer who fired the gun was suspended from his duty.
The top police officer in charge, Puran Kumar Jha, was also removed from his job.
Three other people were hurt by gunfire during the protest, but police are not sure who fired those bullets.
India's top court, the Supreme Court, is looking into what happened.
The Bihar government says its officers acted to protect themselves and other people.
The Bihar government removed Siwan Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha after constable Abhishek Kumar fired an AK-47 during student protests on July 25.
Kumar, who reportedly fired without orders, has been suspended, while other officers in charge in Siwan at the time have not yet received fresh postings.
The state told the Supreme Court that Kumar fired four rounds into the air only after being trapped and surrounded by protesters near JP Chowk, and that no one was injured by those shots.
Three people, including a 17-year-old, suffered firearm injuries during the Siwan violence; authorities said it was unclear whether police firing caused them.
The Supreme Court proceedings stem from petitions alleging excessive police force during Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests in New Delhi, and the police response drew criticism from opposition leaders.
- Who
- Student protesters, constable Abhishek Kumar, Siwan Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha, the Bihar government, and the Supreme Court of India.
- What
- The Bihar government removed Siwan's police chief after a constable fired an AK-47 during student protests, and defended the firing before the Supreme Court.
- Where
- Near JP Chowk in Siwan, Bihar, with Supreme Court proceedings arising from CJP-led protests in New Delhi.
- When
- The AK-47 firing occurred on July 25; the removal of the police chief was announced afterward.
- Why
- The removal follows controversy over alleged excessive police force during protests over an alleged NEET paper leak, though the state says the constable fired into the air only after being surrounded.
Petitioners, Protesters and Opposition
Bihar Government
AK-47 use during student protests
Petitioners, Protesters and Opposition
Petitions allege excessive use of force by police, and critics question the use of an automatic weapon at a civilian protest, noting procedures generally treat firearms as a last resort.
Bihar Government
The state says the constable fired four rounds into the air only after he 'got trapped in the crowd' and was surrounded by protesters, and that the firing was meant to protect personnel and property.
Firearm injuries suffered by protesters
Petitioners, Protesters and Opposition
Three people, including a 17-year-old, sustained firearm injuries during the Siwan violence, raising concerns about police firing.
Bihar Government
Authorities said the injuries occurred at locations separate from where the constable was filmed firing, and that it was not clear whether police fire caused them; an investigation would establish the source of the bullets.
Police response to the student agitation
Petitioners, Protesters and Opposition
Opposition leaders criticized the police response to the student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.
Bihar Government
The state maintains the constable acted to protect himself, other personnel, and public and government property amid stone-pelting and violence.
Key facts
- Removed official
- Puran Kumar Jha, Superintendent of Police, Siwan
- Suspended officer
- Constable Abhishek Kumar
- Incident date
- July 25
- Incident location
- JP Chowk, Siwan, Bihar
- Weapon and rounds fired
- AK-47; four rounds fired into the air per state
- Injuries from the four rounds
- None, according to the state
- Other firearm injuries
- Three people, including a 17-year-old; source of bullets unclear
- Protest context
- Statewide bandh over alleged NEET paper leak and student issues
- Legal forum
- Supreme Court of India
- Related movement
- Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests in New Delhi
Sources
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