**Title: Indian Cop Suspended After Firing AK-47 at Student Protesters in Bihar**
In a significant incident that has drawn national attention, Indian authorities have suspended a police officer in Bihar for firing an AK-47 assault rifle at student protesters. The event occurred during demonstrations in Siwan district, which were part of a larger wave of protests across the country, including a major rally in New Delhi.
The protests were sparked by allegations of question paper leaks related to a national entrance examination, leading to widespread discontent among students. The situation escalated to the point where the federal education minister resigned in response to the mounting pressure from the student community.
Footage of the officer firing the AK-47 was widely circulated on social media, prompting immediate action from the Bihar administration. Reports indicate that the officer discharged his weapon into the air, resulting in injuries to three individuals who were not part of the immediate protest. These injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Patna and are reported to be in stable condition.
Vivek Ranjan Maitrey, the district magistrate of Siwan, stated that the officer acted without proper orders and emphasized that such a weapon should not have been present in a public setting. "He should not have fired in the air. Such a weapon should not have been taken in public," Maitrey remarked.
The situation in New Delhi also saw a response from the paramilitary Rapid Action Force, which was deployed to manage the protests. A log entry revealed that two pellet rounds were fired at the crowd during the protests on July 20, although the Delhi police initially denied using such force. Pellet guns, while classified as less-lethal, can cause significant injuries, and reports have emerged of at least three individuals suffering pellet injuries to their faces, necks, and upper bodies.
The issue of police violence against students has been a focal point of discussion in Parliament. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi raised concerns about state actions during the protests, and the Lok Sabha addressed a bill aimed at imposing stricter penalties for examination malpractice—an initiative that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously promised to the protesting students. However, parliamentary proceedings were disrupted as opposition members demanded accountability for police conduct.
In a related development, India's Supreme Court has directed all states to release students under the age of 18 who were arrested or detained during the protests, provided they do not have any prior criminal records. This ruling came as part of a broader examination of police actions during the demonstrations, which have seen numerous arrests across the country.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a movement that has been at the forefront of the protests, claims that at least 100 individuals have been arrested nationwide, many facing non-bailable charges. One of their primary demands is the unconditional release of all arrested protesters. Leaders of the CJP announced that government negotiators had assured them of meeting this demand, with Saurav Das, a CJP leader, tweeting, "No protester will be left alone."
In response to the ongoing unrest and calls for reform, the Indian government has established a task force led by Nandan Nilekani, the founder of Infosys, to propose changes to the examination system. This initiative aims to address the grievances of students and restore confidence in the educational assessment process.
The suspension of the officer in Bihar and the broader discussions in Parliament reflect the growing tensions between student activists and state authorities in India. As protests continue, the focus remains on ensuring accountability for police actions and addressing the underlying issues that have fueled student discontent across the nation.