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AK-47 firing during student protests in Siwan has reignited the debate over police use of force. Here’s who carries these rifles in India and what the law allows
Bihar Police AK-47 controversy: The officer who allegedly fired with an AK-47 during student protests has been suspended pending a departmental inquiry into whether the use of force was in accordance with legal procedures.
Bihar AK-47 controversy: A video purportedly showing a Bihar Police officer firing an AK-47 rifle during student protests in Siwan has triggered a widespread debate on the use of assault weapons by law enforcement. At least three youths are said to have been seriously injured in firing on Saturday during protests allegedly over the NEET exam paper leak.
The incident has reignited questions about whether police are authorized to have assault rifles such as AK-47s, under what circumstances they can be used, and whether their deployment against protesters is legally justified.
The controversy has deepened after the police officer seen firing the rifle was suspended and a departmental inquiry was ordered.
Why has AK-47 firing in Siwan created controversy?
The incident took place during the Bihar bandh called by student organizations on July 25 over the alleged NEET paper leak.
A video circulated on social media shows a police officer firing an AK-47 during a clash with protesters in Siwan district. According to reports, at least three youths were seriously injured.
The use of assault rifles during crowd control immediately raised questions about whether the level of threat justified such force.
The authorities have suspended the concerned officer and initiated departmental proceedings. The investigation will examine who authorized the firing, whether standard operating procedures were followed, and whether the use of force complied with existing laws and police regulations.
Can Bihar Police have AK-47 rifles?
Yes. Like many state police forces across India, the Bihar Police is armed with AK-47 rifles and other modern assault weapons. However, these firearms are not issued to regular police personnel performing routine law-and-order duties.
Instead, they are typically assigned to specialized units such as:
- Special Operations Group (SOG)
- Special Task Force (STF)
- anti naxal units
- anti terrorism squad
- VIP security teams
These specialized structures often operate in areas affected by insurgency, terrorism or organized crime, where criminals may have sophisticated firearms.
Therefore, the presence of AK-47 rifles in the police arsenal of a state is not unusual. The more important question is when and how they can be used legally.
When can police legally use AK-47?
Indian law allows the use of force by police only in strictly regulated circumstances. Article 19 of the Constitution gives the right to citizens to assemble peacefully and without arms. Even when a protest turns violent, police are expected to follow an orderly response before resorting to firearms.
As per the policing procedures and provisions under the Indian Civil Defense Code (BNSS), officers generally proceed in the following steps:
- persuasion and negotiation
- public warnings
- barricading
- water splashes
- tear gas
- lathi charge
- firing as a last resort
Even when live ammunition is used, the purpose is not to punish or disperse protesters through excessive force, but to protect life and property while using the minimum force necessary to restore order.
Experts point out that assault rifles like the AK-47 are generally designed for exceptional situations, including:
- Terrorist attacks
- Naxalite operation
- Encounter with heavily armed criminals
- Situations that pose an immediate threat to police personnel or civilians
Whether those conditions existed during the Siwan protests is now at the center of an official investigation.
What is the AK-47 and why is it so powerful?
The AK-47 is one of the most famous assault rifles in the world. Developed by Soviet weapons designer Mikhail Kalashnikov, its full name is Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947.
Key features include:
- Fires 7.62×39mm ammunition
- Standard magazine capacity of 30 rounds
- Capable of firing hundreds of rounds per minute with trained hands
- Effective firing range of about 300-400 meters
- Renowned for reliability in harsh environments and low maintenance requirements
Its durability and rapid-fire capability have made it one of the most widely used assault rifles globally.
How did AK-47 rifles become a part of India’s police forces?
The AK-47 first entered India’s security apparatus through the armed forces and paramilitary units deployed in insurgency and terrorism affected areas.
Security personnel operating in Jammu and Kashmir and Naxal-hit areas were equipped with assault rifles to counter the heavily armed terrorists.
Over time, many state police forces also acquired AK-47s and similar modern weapons for special tactical units dealing with terrorism, organized crime and left-wing extremism.
Their intended purpose has never been routine policing or general crowd management.
Bihar bandh violence: Over 450 arrested across the state
The Siwan incident occurred during widespread violence linked to the Bihar bandh organized by student groups. Police said action has been taken in several districts, 21 FIRs have been registered and around 450 people have been arrested so far.
According to officials:
- Patna: 2 firs; 139 arrests. Among those detained, 30 girl students and about 45 minors were released after interrogation.
- Essence: 58 arrests in 4 cases.
- Siwan: 25 arrests in 3 cases.
- Muzaffarpur: 15 arrests in 2 cases.
- Sitamarhi: 13 arrests in 4 cases.
- Kishanganj: 25 arrests in 1 case.
- Aurangabad: 5 arrests.
- Bhagalpur: 41 arrests.
- Lakhisarai: 1 arrest.
- Katihar: 23 arrests.
- Begusarai: 5 arrests.
- Madhepura: 7 arrests.
- Sarhasa: 4 arrests.
Police also said that around 100 additional people have been detained in other districts, with more arrests likely as investigators analyze CCTV footage, videos and other evidence.
Those arrested face the following charges:
- attempted murder
- assault on police personnel
- damage to government property
- road blockade
- attack on civilians
Tej Pratap Yadav sent to judicial custody
Jan Shakti Janata Dal leader Tej Pratap Yadav was also arrested in connection with the protests. Police said he was leading a demonstration near Gandhi Maidan in Patna against the alleged NEET paper leak and the police. blackjack Allegations on clash between protesters and security personnel.
The confrontation escalated into stone pelting, in which several policemen including Gandhi Maidan police station in-charge were injured.
Yadav has been kept in Beur jail after the court sent him to 14-day judicial custody. It is expected that he will file a bail plea before the court.
what happens next?
The departmental inquiry into the Siwan firing will determine whether the police officer’s decision to use the AK-47 complied with legal procedures and operational protocols.
While police forces in India are legally allowed to have assault rifles for special operations, investigators will now examine whether deploying such a weapon during student protests was disproportionate to the danger faced by officers on the ground.
The findings of the investigation are expected to shape the legal and administrative response to one of Bihar’s most controversial policing incidents in recent months.
questions to ask
Can Bihar Police legally possess AK-47 rifle?
Yes. Bihar Police, like many other state police forces, also has AK-47 rifles for special units like anti-Naxal, anti-terrorism and special task forces.
Can police use AK-47 during protests?
The police are expected to use the minimum force necessary. Firearms are considered a last resort and are generally reserved for situations that involve an immediate threat to life or a heavily armed attacker.
Why was the officer suspended in Siwan case?
The officer who allegedly fired with an AK-47 during student protests has been suspended pending a departmental inquiry into whether the use of force was in accordance with legal procedures.
How many people have been arrested in connection with Bihar protest violence?
Police say around 450 people have been arrested, 21 FIRs have been registered and more arrests are likely as the investigation continues.
What is the effective range of AK-47?
The AK-47’s effective firing range is about 300 to 400 meters, although its bullets can travel much farther.
Siwan, India, India
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