Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD) chief Tej Pratap Yadav was detained by Bihar Police on Saturday after joining protesters during the Bihar bandh called in support of students protesting the alleged NEET paper leak and demanding accountability from the Centre. The detention took place shortly after Yadav participated in a sit-in demonstration at Ram Gulam Chowk in Patna, where hundreds of protesters had gathered as part of the statewide shutdown.
The Bihar bandh, backed by several student organisations and opposition groups, witnessed demonstrations in multiple districts. While protests remained peaceful in some places, clashes between demonstrators and police were reported in parts of Patna, Aurangabad, and Chapra, prompting heightened security across the state.
Tej Pratap Yadav Detained During Sit-In Protest
According to officials, Tej Pratap Yadav joined protesters staging a dharna at Ram Gulam Chowk before police moved in and took him into custody.
Visuals from the protest showed Yadav being escorted to a police vehicle as security personnel dispersed demonstrators. Before being detained, he reiterated his support for the protesting students and said he stood firmly with their demands.
Voices Support for Students
Before his detention, Yadav expressed solidarity with students protesting against the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process and the police action during earlier demonstrations.
He also backed the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, asserting that the concerns of students should be addressed through dialogue and accountability. Yadav declared that he was prepared to “stand shoulder to shoulder” with the youth in their fight for justice.
Bihar Bandh Witnesses Widespread Protests
The statewide bandh was organised to protest the alleged NEET paper leak and recent police action against student demonstrators.
Student organisations and political groups held rallies, blocked roads, and staged demonstrations in several districts. While many protests remained peaceful, incidents of stone-pelting, road blockades, and clashes with police were reported from Patna, Aurangabad, and Chapra.
Heavy Security Across Bihar
In anticipation of large-scale demonstrations, the Bihar Police deployed additional personnel in Patna and other sensitive districts.
Security was tightened around major intersections, government offices, and educational institutions to prevent any escalation of violence. Authorities also carried out flag marches in vulnerable areas to maintain law and order during the bandh.
Police Action Amid Rising Tensions
Police detained several protesters during the demonstrations as they attempted to clear blocked roads and restore normal movement.
Officials said the action was taken to prevent disruption to public services and maintain peace. Despite isolated incidents of violence, authorities stated that the overall law and order situation remained under control.
Opposition Intensifies Pressure
The detention of Tej Pratap Yadav has added a political dimension to the ongoing student movement.
Opposition leaders have continued to demand action over the alleged examination irregularities and have criticised the government’s handling of the protests. The Bihar bandh has become a focal point for broader demands related to transparency in recruitment and competitive examinations.
Protest Movement Continues
As demonstrations continue across Bihar, the focus remains on the demands raised by student organisations and the response of the state and central governments.
Tej Pratap Yadav’s detention has further highlighted the political significance of the Bihar bandh, with opposition leaders reiterating their support for the student movement. Authorities, meanwhile, have appealed for calm while maintaining heightened security to ensure that public order is not disrupted as the protests evolve.