World · India Bureau
Bihar government admits to AK-47 firing during student protests
Bihar authorities have acknowledged to India's Supreme Court that automatic weapons were discharged during police operations against student demonstrations. The state government defended its actions, arguing that several protests turned violent.
LSN India ·
The Bihar government has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court confirming that AK-47 firearms were used during police operations against student protestors in Siwan district. The submission marks an acknowledgment of the weapons deployment during the unrest that gripped the state in late July. The government's legal filing defended the police response, contending that multiple protest sites escalated into violent confrontations that necessitated forceful intervention by security forces. Between July 22 and 25, authorities registered 69 first information reports related to the demonstrations and arrested approximately 500 individuals across various locations. The state government has maintained that the use of force was proportionate and justified given the circumstances on the ground. The Supreme Court filing comes as the student protests, which initially focused on education-related grievances, drew scrutiny over the extent of police response and allegations of excessive force.