Handling of NEET protests under scanner, Bihar’s new anti-riots force will be armed with cameras too

Bihar Police is preparing a new District Anti-Riot Force (DARF) to handle potential communal tensions, violent protests, and attacks on government property. This force will be armed with cameras, ambulances, and lathi units, and will be deployed at district and sub-divisional levels. Each unit will consist of an officer-in-charge, trained police personnel, women police personnel, medical support, videographers, communications personnel, reserve personnel, and a lathi unit.

The state has divided into three categories, with 49 companies and 294 vehicles planned overall. The force will respond to situations within 20 minutes of receiving information, coordinating with senior officers and assessing the situation at the scene. Personnel will undergo specialized training at their respective district police centers, with refresher courses every three months.

The move follows a series of student-led protests over NEET paper leaks, which escalated into violent clashes with security personnel. Over 2,500 riot cases were reported in 2025.