Bihar Police AK-47 Fired During CJP Protests: Constable Abhishek Kumar

• Bihar police fired AK-47 during student protests in Siwan, but claimed no protesters were injured.
• Constable Abhishek Kumar was surrounded by the crowd and fired four rounds from his AK-47 in the air.
• Three protesters suffered minor firearms injuries due to police action, but the government attributed these to other factors.
• The Bihar government argued that its agencies maintained utmost restraint and did not use disproportionate force against protesters.
• The incident has sparked controversy over the use of high-powered weapons during law and order duties.

However, it said these injuries were 'neither caused by AK 47, nor the persons were located at the place where the constable fired from AK47'.

On July 25, student protests linked to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement took place in Siwan. The demonstrations led to a confrontation between police and protesters near JP Chowk. Constable Abhishek Kumar was surrounded by the crowd and fired four rounds from his AK-47 in the air. Assistant Sub-Ipspector Nilesh Kumar Singh also discharged two rounds from his 9mm pistol near Hathi Chowk to disperse the mob. Three protesters suffered minor firearms injuries due to police action, but the government claimed these were not caused by the AK-47.

The incident has sparked controversy, with some questioning the use of high-powered weapons during law and order duties. The Bihar government's response to petitions alleging police excesses has shed light on the events surrounding the protests.

The Bihar government's affidavit filed in response to petitions alleging police excesses provides insight into the events of July 25. The State argued that its agencies maintained utmost restraint and did not use disproportionate force against protesters. However, the use of AK-47s during law and order duties has raised concerns about police accountability and the potential for excessive force. The government's assertion that AK-47s are meant for special operations, not law and order duty, is a crucial point in this context.

The incident has implications for ongoing litigation related to police use of force during public protests. Lawyers will be watching closely as the case unfolds, particularly in light of the government's argument regarding the suitability of AK-47s for law and order duties.

The Bihar government's response to petitions alleging police excesses has significant implications for police accountability and the use of force during public protests. The incident highlights the need for clear guidelines on the use of high-powered weapons during law and order duties. As the case continues, lawyers will be scrutinizing the government's argument that AK-47s are not suitable for such purposes.

The incident also underscores the importance of transparency in policing and the need for effective mechanisms to hold police accountable for their actions. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for law enforcement agencies across India.

Lawyers should watch for the implications of this incident on police accountability and the use of force during public protests, particularly in light of the government's argument that AK-47s are not suitable for law and order duties.

Source: Original reporting via The Bihar government's affidavit filed in response to petitions alleging police excesses.