Clashes Erupt in Patna Over NEET Row as Police and Protesters Face Off
IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Patna, July 25: Bihar's capital Patna witnessed violent scenes on Saturday as protests over the alleged NEET examination paper leak and the police's handling of student demonstrations escalated into clashes between protesters and security personnel. The confrontation led to tension across parts of the city as authorities deployed a heavy police presence to maintain law and order amid a statewide shutdown call.
The unrest broke out in response to a statewide strike called to protest both the alleged NEET question paper leak and the role of the police during recent student demonstrations. Protesters gathered in large numbers in different parts of Bihar, demanding accountability over the examination controversy and expressing anger over what they described as the administration's handling of student protests.
As demonstrations intensified in Patna, police personnel were deployed in significant numbers across sensitive locations to prevent any deterioration of the law and order situation. Clashes reportedly broke out after protesters confronted security personnel, resulting in a tense standoff that disrupted normal movement in parts of the city.
Apart from raising slogans against the alleged examination irregularities, the protesters also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding the Centre responsible for failing to prevent the alleged paper leak and ensure the integrity of the examination process.
The situation remained tense as protesters continued their demonstrations under close police surveillance. Authorities maintained a strong security presence in and around key protest sites to prevent further violence and restore normalcy.
The media, Patna City Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Raj Kishore said that several individuals involved in the violence had come from outside the city. He stated, “People had come from outside as well, and we have apprehended those who were involved in stone-pelting.”
Police officials said action would be taken against those found responsible for violence, damage to public property, or attacks on law enforcement personnel. Investigations into the incidents are underway, and authorities are reviewing evidence to identify others allegedly involved in the clashes.
The latest violence in Patna adds to the growing nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, with demonstrations continuing in several states and political parties intensifying their criticism of the handling of the controversy. As demands for accountability grow louder, the examination issue continues to dominate public and political discourse across the country.
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