Patna: A day after violent clashes between students and police in Patna, protests against the alleged NEET paper leaks escalated across Bihar on Thursday, with demonstrations turning violent in several districts, including Darbhanga, Begusarai and Katihar. Students renewed their demand for the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.In Darbhanga, thousands of students marched from Karpuri Chowk to the collectorate. Trouble began when a section of protesters allegedly hurled stones at police while trying to move towards the DM’s office. City SP Ashok Kumar and another policeman were injured. Police responded with a lathi-charge and fired seven rounds of tear gas to disperse the crowd. DM Kaushal Kumar, DIG Manoj Tiwari, SSP Jagunath Reddy Jalareddy and other officials rushed to the spot. Police said CCTV footage and videos were being examined to identify those involved in the violence.In Begusarai, students led by various organisations, including AISA, marched from GD College to the collectorate. As protesters gathered outside the premises, some allegedly tried to force entry by climbing the main gate despite repeated warnings by police. Stone-pelting followed, damaging a district administration vehicle. Police then carried out a lathi-charge. Water cannons and a heavy police force had been deployed in advance.Begusarai SP Manish said the protest had initially remained peaceful and a memorandum had been submitted, but some miscreants later damaged government property. Several people were detained and legal action would follow, he said.Violence also broke out in Katihar, where hundreds of students marched from Shaheed Chowk to the collectorate. A magistrate and Sadar Police Station officer Sonu Bhagat were injured after stone-pelting erupted when police stopped protesters from entering the collectorate. Police resorted to a lathi-charge, injuring several students.Katihar DM Ashutosh Dwivedi said action would be taken against those damaging public property or taking part in unlawful protests. Katihar SP Parichay Kumar said 14 anti-social elements had been detained and legal proceedings were underway. Several policemen were injured in the violence, he added.
