Bihar Police Ban Automatic Weapons for Law and Order Duties
Bihar's Director General of Police has prohibited the use of automatic and assault weapons during law and order maintenance. This directive follows an incident where a policeman fired an AK-47 at protesting students in Siwan.
Key takeaways
- Bihar's Director General of Police has banned the use of automatic and assault weapons during law and order maintenance.
- The ban restricts these firearms to combatting organized crime and militancy.
- The decision follows a July 25 incident in Siwan where a policeman fired an AK-47 at protesting students.
- The officer involved has been suspended for unauthorized use of the weapon.
The Director General of Police in Bihar has issued a ban on the use of automatic and assault weapons by police personnel when managing law and order situations. These types of firearms will now be restricted to operations against organized crime and militancy.
What Happened
The new directive came after a police officer in Siwan was filmed firing an AK-47 rifle during a protest by students. This footage prompted immediate criticism. The policeman involved, Abhishek Kumar, has been suspended and officials stated he acted independently, without orders, and was not part of the crowd control unit. Three protesters reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the July 25 incident in Siwan, though local police have denied injuries from the AK-47 firing. The Additional Director General (Law and Order) confirmed that action has been taken against the officer for using the weapon without authorization.
Why It Matters
The decision to ban these high-powered weapons for routine law enforcement aims to de-escalate potential violence during public gatherings. The incident in Siwan, which involved the firing of an AK-47 at students, drew significant political attention and calls for accountability from opposition leaders.
Key Facts
- The Bihar Police banned the use of automatic and assault weapons for law and order duties on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
- These weapons are now designated for use only in cases of organized crime and militancy.
- The ban followed an incident on July 25, 2026, in Siwan town, where a policeman, Abhishek Kumar, fired an AK-47 at protesting students.
- Mr. Kumar was not part of the crowd control team and fired on his own accord, according to police officials.
- He has been suspended and action has been taken against him for unauthorized weapon use.
- At least three protesters reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the July 25 protest in Siwan.
- Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav questioned the use of the AK-47 and demanded government action, announcing a statewide protest for August 19.
- Additional Director General (ADG) of Police, Headquarters, Patna, Sunil Kumar, confirmed the new directive to media.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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