Patna, July 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A Bihar Bandh called over the alleged NEET paper leak witnessed a brief confrontation between protesters and police in Siwan on Saturday after demonstrators attempted to block roads, leading to a tense situation in the district.
The situation was brought under control after Siwan Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha intervened and held discussions with the protesters, urging them to continue their demonstration peacefully without disrupting public movement.
The impact of the bandh was visible across Siwan, where supporters marched through major roads, attempted to stop traffic and appealed to shopkeepers to keep their establishments closed.
Police personnel advised protesters against completely blocking roads, citing inconvenience to commuters and emergency services. The exchange led to an argument, with protesters alleging that authorities were interfering with a peaceful demonstration.
Police officials maintained that peaceful protests were being allowed but obstruction of public roads and disruption of essential services would not be permitted.
As tensions rose, additional police forces were deployed. SP Jha personally monitored the situation and persuaded protesters to follow a designated route. The crowd later dispersed peacefully, restoring normalcy.
Security arrangements were strengthened across Siwan, with police deployed at major intersections, railway stations, bus stands and other sensitive locations. Patrol teams remained active to prevent any untoward incidents.
Several private school buses stayed off the roads as a precaution, while some shops opened late amid uncertainty.
The bandh also affected other districts, including Gaya, where AISA and RYA activists organised marches and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged paper leak and concerns related to the education system.
In Madhepura, police detained some students during protests as a preventive measure, while flag marches were carried out in Jehanabad and Patna to maintain law and order.
Authorities reiterated that peaceful demonstrations were a democratic right but warned that violence, vandalism or disruption of public services would invite legal action.
During the Siwan protest, a student dressed as a cockroach also drew attention by using the costume as a symbolic form of demonstration against the issue.
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