NEET Paper Leak Protest Turns Violent in Katihar, CO Injured, Students Detained

NEET Paper Leak Protest Turns Violent in Katihar

Katihar, Bihar | July 23, 2026 – A protest by students demanding the resignation of the Education Minister over an alleged NEET paper leak turned violent on Thursday outside the District Magistrate (DM) office in Katihar, Bihar. Police were forced to resort to a lathi charge, and the Sadar Circle Officer (CO) Sonu Bhagat was injured in a stone-pelting incident. Several protesting students have been taken into custody.

Clash Outside DM Office

According to information, a large number of aspirants, under the banner of student organizations, gathered at the main gate of the DM office on Thursday, engaging in continuous sloganeering. The protesters attempted to enter the office premises, which the police forcefully prevented. This led to a scuffle and an ensuing tense atmosphere.

CO Injured Amidst Stone-Pelting, Police Action

Authorities allege that some individuals within the crowd hurled stones at police personnel and media personnel present at the scene. Sadar Circle Officer Sonu Bhagat reportedly sustained an eye injury during this stone-pelting incident. To control the situation and prevent further violence, the police lathi-charged the protesters and detained several students. Additional police force has been deployed in the collectorate premises and surrounding sensitive areas following the incident. For precautionary measures, nearby shops were also closed for security reasons to avert any untoward incident.

Student Demands and Administration's Stance

The protesting student organizations claim that the future of lakhs of aspirants is in jeopardy due to the NEET paper leak. They are demanding an impartial investigation, strict action against the culprits, and the resignation of the Education Minister. Reacting to the incident, District Magistrate Ashutosh Dwivedi stated that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, no one would be spared for damaging government property or taking the law into their own hands. He assured that those involved in the vandalism would be identified and subjected to strict action as per the rules. The DM appealed to the students to voice their concerns in a constitutional and peaceful manner.

Political Reactions

Meanwhile, Janata Dal (United) spokesperson Imtiaz Haider condemned the incident. He claimed that the stone-pelters could not be students and suggested a political conspiracy was being hatched under the guise of student protests. He appealed to the administration to maintain peace in the entire area and advised the public to disregard any rumors.