Patna: A fact-finding committee constituted by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) has begun its inquiry into allegations of police excesses during students’ protests over the alleged NEET paper leak in Patna and other districts on July 22, as well as during the Bihar bandh on July 25.Addressing a news conference, NSUI national in charge Kanhaiya Kumar, accompanied by Congress MLA from Madhya Pradesh Jai Vardhan Singh, said the committee would interact with students, parents, teachers, advocates, journalists and others to collect evidence.Singh said the committee’s inquiry would cover Patna, Jehanabad, Siwan, Gaya and other districts where protests were held. He said a report based on the findings would be submitted to the AICC, which would decide its future political and legal course of action.Alleging that excessive force was used against peaceful protesters, Singh claimed several students were detained for prolonged periods and sent to jail. He also alleged that the action taken against some minors was not in accordance with the law and raised concerns over the treatment of detained girl students.“All these issues will be examined by the committee,” Singh said.He further alleged that despite assurances that FIRs registered against students would be withdrawn, one case was still pending. “Students were raising their demands democratically, but they were treated like criminals. Accountability must be fixed for the alleged excesses, and action should be taken against those found responsible,” he said.Kanhaiya alleged that excessive force, including lathicharge, tear gas and firing, was used during the protests, and demanded accountability from the Union govt.
