Bihar: Protest Against Non-Reopening of Coaching Institutes Turns Violent in Rohtas
Image Source: The Economic Times
Sasaram (Bihar): Several police personnel were injured here on Monday while trying to quell a mob that went on rampage in protest against the Bihar government's deferment of reopening of schools, colleges and coaching institutes by a week, in view of the recent spurt in COVID-19 cases.
Notably, the state government had recently come out with a circular stating that those found taking part in violent demonstrations might end up getting adverse remarks in their character certificates provided by the local police.
This would debar them from getting jobs or contracts with the government, the missive had stated, evoking criticism from the Opposition.
On Monday, the town police station area here, district headquarters of Rohtas, witnessed mayhem at the hands of "anti-social elements, besides some students egged on by mischievous private coaching institute owners", a senior police official alleged.
According to Ashish Bharti, Superintendent of Police, Rohtas, about a dozen people have been rounded up so far in connection with the violence, vandalism and arson.
The Gaurakshini locality in the town and the area in the vicinity of the collectorate bore witness to the ;agitators’ burning heaps of tyres on the road and pulling down a traffic police post.
Police alleged there was stone-pelting when police tried to disperse them.
There are over hundred of coaching institutes in the Sasaram town training students for the school examinations besides those for the competitive tests.
Altogether six police personnel, including an SHO, have been admitted to a hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the incident, the SP said.
District Magistrate Dharmendra Kumar said in a strongly worded statement "in view of the raging pandemic, it had been decided to keep all educational institutions shut till at least April 11.
"But, some coaching institute owners instigated students to indulge in lawlessness and many anti-social elements took advantage of the situation".
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