Bihar: Who Cleared AK-47 Firing During Siwan Protest? Constable's Suspension Raises Big Questions

The suspension of an SIT constable for allegedly firing an AK-47 during the Siwan student protest has triggered questions over who authorised it. Tejashwi demanded action and accountability.

The suspension of an SIT constable for allegedly firing an AK-47 during the Siwan student protest has triggered questions.

Source : ABP Live

he suspension of SIT constable Abhishek Patel after he allegedly fired an AK-47 during the student protest in Bihar's Siwan has sparked several questions over who authorised the use of an assault rifle during the demonstration.

Key questions being raised include whether the firing was aimed into the air or towards the crowd, who authorised the use of the weapon, whether the firing followed established protocols, how many people were injured, and which officer was supervising the operation. Police personnel cannot independently decide to use an AK-47 during a protest.

Police Personnel Explain AK-47 Use

To understand the incident, several Siwan police personnel were contacted. According to them, senior officers have the authority to assign assault rifles to personnel whenever required.

They claimed the AK-47 was fired into the air after protesters allegedly advanced towards police while pelting stones. Another claim suggests that although constable Abhishek Patel's firing was directed towards the crowd, the intention was to disperse the protesters rather than hit anyone.

According to available information, three people sustained bullet injuries during the Siwan protest. However, it has been stated that none of them were hit by bullets fired from the AK-47. Multiple instances of firing reportedly took place during the protest, though it remains unclear whether the shots were fired by police personnel or by protesters.

What Do The Rules Say?

Under existing rules, even a lathi charge requires the approval of the District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP). In such circumstances, it is being presumed that the AK-47 was used only after directions from senior officers, although there has been no official confirmation.

Notably, both the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police were present at the scene when the firing took place.

Who Is Allowed To Use AK-47?

The AK-47 is a long-range assault weapon generally used against hostile threats and is typically deployed by special forces.

In 2018, the Bihar government issued a circular prohibiting police personnel deployed as bodyguards for politicians, judges, government officials and other VIPs from carrying AK-47 assault rifles. Only security personnel assigned to the Governor and the Chief Minister are permitted to carry the weapon.

Current Situation In Siwan

Police said 25 people have been arrested in connection with the Siwan protest, and three FIRs have been registered.

Around 30 police personnel, including the Superintendent of Police and the town police station SHO, were injured during the clashes. Authorities said the situation in Siwan is now normal, with heavy police deployment across the district.

Tejashwi Yadav Targets Bihar Government

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticised the Bihar government over the alleged use of an AK-47 against student protesters.

Sharing a video of the incident on X on Monday, he wrote, "See how a policeman in Bihar is firing an AK-47 at student protesters. This is the first instance in the country where an AK-47 has allegedly been used against students during a protest in violation of the Police Manual."

He further said that peaceful protest is a constitutional right in a democracy and questioned whether such action would become the norm against lawyers, doctors, teachers, judges, students, women and farmers exercising their democratic rights.

Tejashwi also questioned whether only the officer who fired the weapon should be held responsible, or whether the district SP and senior officers should also face suspension. He demanded accountability from the Home Minister, warning that failure to fix responsibility could lead to law and order concerns in the state. He also alleged that Bihar had an "elected" government only in name, describing the Chief Minister as a "selected CM".