Tejashwi Yadav detained as RJD protests AK-47 firing, student crackdown

On Wednesday, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav led a protest march to Lok Bhavan, demanding accountability for the police's use of an AK-47 rifle during a student demonstration against the NEET paper leak in Siwan on July 25. Alongside RJD MPs Misa Bharti and Manoj Kumar Jha, Yadav vowed solidarity with students who are advocating for changes in new recruitment rules for assistant professors and a return to a single-examination system for teacher recruitment.

The protesters faced water cannons from police at a barricade near the Income Tax Square before being detained. In a subsequent post on social media, Yadav remarked: "These are youthful spirits, who will not accept defeat against your water cannons, tyranny, and bullet sprays."

Despite the removal of the Siwan District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Yadav remains adamant in seeking answers about the officer who fired the assault rifle at the protest. He stated: "A clarion call for justice has risen, the youth’s roar has risen! Long live the unity of the youth. We will now bring the revolution!"

Yadav also extended support to students protesting the Bihar Public Service Commission's (BPSC) decision to implement a two-tier examination system for teacher recruitment vacancies. Students at Gardanibagh demanded a return to the single-examination format used in previous recruitment rounds, alleging the new system is unfair and subjective. They threatened further protests if the BPSC does not revert to the single-examination pattern.

Protesters, including PhD holders, research scholars, and guest faculty, have raised concerns about the state government's proposed changes to the 'Assistant Professor Recruitment Rules 2026', alleging deviation from UGC norms and creating an unfair selection process. They fear the state is favoring temporary contractual positions over regular, permanent faculty jobs.