Police suspend a Bihar constable after viral footage showed him firing an AK-47 into the air during a student protest, intensifying criticism over India’s handling of nationwide demonstrations.
A police constable in India’s eastern state of Bihar has been suspended after viral social media footage appeared to show him firing an AK-47 assault rifle into the air while attempting to disperse a student protest in Siwan, prompting widespread political and legal criticism.
Senior Bihar police official Nilesh Kumar said the constable, who was assigned to a specialized intelligence unit, discharged live ammunition without authorization or operational justification. Although no injuries were reported, authorities have launched formal disciplinary proceedings against the officer.
The incident comes amid weeks of student-led demonstrations across India over alleged question paper leaks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), the country’s highly competitive medical entrance examination. The protests have expanded beyond exam integrity, reflecting growing frustration over youth unemployment and concerns about shrinking employment opportunities linked to rapid technological change.
Public anger intensified in recent weeks, with sustained demonstrations contributing to the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Protesters have continued to demand greater transparency in public examinations and stronger accountability from authorities.
The police response in Siwan has drawn sharp condemnation from opposition leaders. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of using excessive force against unarmed students and called for a transparent investigation into the incident, describing the deployment of an assault rifle during a civilian protest as unacceptable.
The controversy has also attracted attention from the judiciary. Supreme Court Judge Ujjal Bhuyan publicly expressed concern over the handling of peaceful demonstrations, warning that excessive policing could undermine constitutional freedoms and the right to peaceful assembly.
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