Water Cannons Deployed in Patna as Bihar Student Protests Turn Violent
Police in Patna used water cannons on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after thousands of demonstrators broke through security barricades during a march toward the residence of Bihar‘s chief minister. Unemployed youth and student groups across the state of 130 million people clashed with security forces to demand public sector job opportunities, the cancellation of a controversial recruitment exam, and sweeping systemic reforms to competitive testing.
State Launches Online Portal Following Stone-Pelting Accusations in Capital
Patna police superintendent Kartikeya K Sharma confirmed officers will identify and take legal action against demonstrators accused of pelting security personnel with stones during the march. In response to the growing unrest, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced the immediate launch of an online ‘Student Support Camp’ allowing candidates to register and track recruitment grievances.
The violent confrontation follows youth-led demonstrations in New Delhi last month, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party, which forced the resignation of India’s education minister over national exam irregularities.
