Patna, July 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Leader of the Opposition in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, on Monday demanded the immediate release of students detained during the July 25 protests and the withdrawal of criminal cases registered against them, warning the NDA government of a statewide mass agitation if the demands are not met.
In a post on social media platform X, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader accused the Bihar government of abandoning democratic norms while dealing with the student protests.
Claiming that excessive force had been used during the demonstrations, Tejashwi alleged that police resorted to firing with AK-47 rifles at protesting students, describing it as an unprecedented incident. He further alleged that despite an understanding having been reached with student representatives, thousands of students continued to face detention, criminal cases and harassment of their families.
“If the students are not released, the NDA government will have to pay a heavy political price,” he said.
Tejashwi also extended support to the protesting students, asserting that their movement was focused on issues affecting the future of the country’s youth and accusing the government of attempting to suppress their voices.
His remarks came amid controversy over a viral video purportedly showing a police personnel firing an AK-47 during clashes in Siwan district during the Bihar Bandh organised over the alleged NEET paper leak. The police personnel concerned has since been suspended, and an inquiry into the incident has been initiated.
Speaking to reporters after returning to Patna on Sunday, Tejashwi reiterated that the students had been protesting over issues concerning their future. He claimed that an understanding had been reached in Delhi on several of their demands, including the withdrawal of cases registered during the agitation, but alleged that arrests and detentions were continuing in Bihar.
Issuing an ultimatum to the state government, the RJD leader said the Opposition would launch a statewide mass agitation if all detained students were not released and the cases against them were not withdrawn by Monday.
The Bihar government had not issued any official response to Tejashwi Yadav’s latest allegations and warning at the time of filing this report. Investigations into the violence and police action during the protests are continuing.
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