In a surprising affidavit to the Supreme Court, Bihar Police admitted a constable fired an AK-47 during NEET-UG protests, while maintaining that 'utmost restraint' was exercised.

  • Bihar Police admitted a constable fired 4 rounds from an AK-47 into the air.
  • AK-47 is recognized as a 'platoon-level weapon' not intended for law-and-order duties.
  • Three protesters sustained minor firearm injuries, though not from the AK-47.
  • Minor students (under 18) are being released from detention.

New Delhi: In a significant legal development, the Bihar Police informed the Supreme Court via an affidavit on Monday that a police constable, feeling "trapped" amidst a violent crowd during NEET-UG paper leak protests, fired four rounds from his AK-47 rifle into the air. The police emphasized that no injuries were caused specifically by the AK-47 bullets.

The admission has sparked a debate over the proportionality of force. The police acknowledged that the AK-47 is a "platoon-level weapon used in special operations" and is typically not deployed in standard "law-and-order situations." Despite this admission, the state continues to maintain that the crowd was met with "utmost restraint" and no excessive force was applied.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows a critical disconnect between operational protocols and ground execution. The deployment of high-caliber automatic weapons in civilian protest zones suggests a failure in crowd-control strategy. When a state agency admits a weapon is for "special operations" yet uses it on students, it raises serious concerns regarding the militarization of domestic policing.

Further details in the affidavit reveal that another officer used a 9mm pistol to disperse the mob. While the police admitted that three protesters suffered minor firearm injuries, they were careful to clarify that these were not caused by the AK-47. A comprehensive ballistic examination is currently underway to determine the exact distance, angle, and type of weaponry used in the clashes.

The use of assault rifles in urban protests is a red flag for democratic policing and suggests a lack of non-lethal crowd control alternatives.

The Bihar Police also countered by stating that the protests were infiltrated by anti-social elements who deliberately attacked law enforcement officials and caused extensive damage to public property. To ensure transparency, the police stated that CCTV footage and videography of the events have been preserved as evidence.

Regarding the detained students, the police have adopted a more lenient approach for those without criminal antecedents. Specific instructions have been issued to release all detained students under the age of 18, while ensuring that the digital data of protesters is not leaked to the public domain for the time being.

Did You Know?: The AK-47 is one of the most widely used assault rifles globally, prized for its reliability in harsh conditions, which is why it is reserved for special operations in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Did the AK-47 cause any injuries?
According to the Bihar Police affidavit, no one was injured by the AK-47 bullets; however, three people suffered minor injuries from other firearms (likely the 9mm pistol).

Q2: What is the status of the detained students?
Students under 18 are being released, and those without prior criminal records are not facing coercive measures.