Jagran Correspondent, Patna: Amid an ongoing row over the NEET paper leak, the student organizations in Patna called a march to the Raj Bhawan on Wednesday.
The students, during their march, sought a detailed probe into the paper leak and sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. A group of protesters clashed with the officials at the JP Golambar near Gandhi Maidan, leading to injuries to a few officials and the students.
Police Use Water Cannons, Tear Gas Shells
The reports suggest that the scuffle broke out after some of the protesters tried to breach the barricades placed by the administration. While the officials tried to convince the students to not cross the barricade, they later used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. They also launched a mild lathi charge and chased the protesters after the situation turned worse.
The protesters also attempted to confront the officials during the action, leading to chaos at the Gandhi Maidan and nearby regions. A large number of students, led by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), had participated in the march to the Raj Bhavan.
Barricading At JP Golambar
The police had placed barricades at the JP Golambar as part of security measures and appealed to the protesters to return from the site. However, a group of students insisted on proceeding to the Raj Bhawan, leading to a scuffle at the site.
The police later used water cannons and mild force to disperse the crowd after they attempted to break through barricades. The situation was later brought under control after additional police forces were deployed at the protesting site.
The protest in Patna was launched two days after a massive students’ protest in New Delhi organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The opposition parties, along with the protesting groups, have been demanding the resignation of Pradhan and an inquiry into the paper leaks.