Tejashwi Yadav, Misa Bharti and Mukesh Sahani Detained During SIR Protest in Patna

Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, RJD MP Misa Bharti and VIP chief Mukesh Sahani are among those detained after tensions rose between protesters and police.

The protest was organised to press the Opposition's objections to the SIR exercise and its demand that Gyanesh Kumar resign. Police had placed barricades at several points to prevent the demonstrators from proceeding towards Lok Bhawan.

Tensions escalated when Tejashwi Yadav climbed onto a police barricade and attempted to move ahead. A scuffle subsequently broke out between protesters and police personnel, after which Yadav, Misa Bharti and Mukesh Sahani were detained.

The detained leaders were later taken towards Lok Bhawan, where a Mahagathbandhan delegation was scheduled to submit a memorandum to the Governor outlining the alliance's concerns.

Addressing the protesters, Tejashwi said the Opposition's principal demand was for free and fair elections. He also questioned the deployment of armed police personnel at the demonstration, alleging that excessive security measures were being used against the Opposition.

Tejashwi reiterated the Mahagathbandhan's allegations that the SIR exercise had adversely affected a large number of voters. He said the alliance had repeatedly raised its concerns with the Election Commission and was seeking a response from the poll panel.

The demonstration saw another flashpoint when several Mahagathbandhan leaders climbed onto a vehicle belonging to a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), further heightening tensions at the protest site.

Mukesh Sahani alleged that he sustained an injury to his finger during the confrontation. India Inclusive Party leader I.P. Gupta separately alleged that a police baton was pushed into his abdomen. These allegations could not be independently verified.

The protest caused considerable disruption in parts of Patna as police sought to prevent demonstrators from moving beyond designated areas. The administration had made extensive security arrangements ahead of the march, with barricades erected at multiple locations, water-cannon vehicles kept on standby and a heavy contingent of Bihar Police deployed.

A multi-layered security cordon was also established around sensitive areas and routes leading towards Lok Bhawan to prevent any breach of the designated security perimeter and regulate traffic.

The protest formed part of a wider Mahagathbandhan campaign against the SIR exercise and the Election Commission's handling of the electoral-roll revision. The alliance has demanded answers from the poll panel and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The detained leaders were taken to Lok Bhawan as the Mahagathbandhan delegation proceeded with plans to submit its memorandum to the Governor. Further developments were expected following the delegation's interaction with the Governor.