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

Bihar Police Headquarters is developing a new District Anti-Riot Force (DARF) to handle potential communal tensions, violent protests, road blockades, and attacks on government property. This force will be equipped with trained personnel, ambulance support, women police personnel, videography and documentation teams, communications and reserve units, and a lathi unit.

Each unit will consist of three platoons of 47 personnel, including drivers and wireless operators, and will be assigned to districts based on their respective categories. Patna will receive three companies with 18 vehicles, while other districts will receive two companies each with 12 vehicles. The force aims to respond to riot or violent situations within 20 minutes of receiving information.

Specialized training will be provided to the personnel, with refresher courses conducted every three months. The implementation of DARF follows a series of intense student and youth-led protests over examination and recruitment issues, some of which escalated into clashes with security personnel. The move comes after a series of protests, resulting in injuries to police personnel and civilians, and the use of AK-47s during the police crackdown on student protests.