Bihar’s political landscape has intensified following fiery remarks from Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, who launched a scathing attack on the state government over the controversial use of an AK-47 rifle during a recent student protest in Siwan. Addressing a packed press conference in Patna, the RJD leader demanded immediate, stringent legal action against the administrative and police officials who authorized the firing, warning state bureaucrats and officers that political patronage would not shield them from accountability. The controversy erupted after a viral video emerged showing a police constable, identified as Abhishek Kumar, allegedly firing rounds from an AK-47 during a student demonstration on July 25, prompting widespread public outrage and subsequent suspension of the constable.Demanding Accountability and a High-Level Judicial InquiryTejashwi Yadav asserted that merely suspending a foot soldier is insufficient and demanded a comprehensive judicial inquiry to uncover the entire chain of command behind the incident. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, he pointed out that deploying an assault rifle like an AK-47 against protesting students is an unprecedented and alarming escalation. Yadav questioned Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary’s administration directly, demanding clarification on who issued the orders for military-grade weapon deployment and on what legal basis attempted murder charges were slapped against participating students. He emphasized that ordinary personnel should not be made scapegoats for high-level administrative overreach.Direct Warning to Officers to Follow Constitutional ProtocolIn a sharp caution directed at state machinery, Yadav warned officers that political leadership would not be able to protect them indefinitely from the consequences of unlawful orders. Urging civil servants and police personnel to strictly adhere to constitutional rules, regulations, and institutional protocols, he declared that the protection of criminals and administrative high-handedness will no longer be tolerated in Bihar. Invoking the historical legacies of social justice icons like Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, Karpoori Thakur, and Lalu Prasad Yadav, Yadav vowed that the opposition would not allow the state to slide into police hooliganism.Government Backtracking and Continued Political PressureThe opposition leader also addressed the state government's recent decision to withdraw criminal cases filed against the NEET protesters, claiming the move came only after sustained pressure and ultimatums from the opposition and student bodies. Despite the withdrawal of cases, Yadav made it clear that the opposition will not back down until the officers responsible for ordering the shooting are identified, investigated, and brought to justice. As political friction mounts across Bihar, the Siwan firing incident has emerged as a central flashpoint over governance, civil liberties, and police accountability.
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