Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday spoke over the phone with Akash Yadav, one of the three students injured after police allegedly fired an AK-47 during protests against alleged examination irregularities in Bihar.
NSUI national president Vinod Jakhar met Yadav, who is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Patna, and arranged a phone call between him and Gandhi.
The Rae Bareli MP asked about Yadav's health and assured him that he would continue supporting students in their fight for justice and their rights, both on the streets and in Parliament.
"Don't worry. Be fearless. The NSUI is helping you. If you face any problems, please let me know," Gandhi was heard telling the injured student in a video shared by the Congress on X.
The Congress also said that the "Modi government cannot silence the voice of students through repression" and maintained that the movement for students' rights would continue.
Bihar AK-47 firing controversy
Gandhi's interaction with the injured student comes amid a political controversy over a video allegedly showing a Bihar Police constable firing an AK-47 during the July 25 'Bihar Bandh' called by opposition parties over alleged NEET paper leak issues.
The constable, identified as Abhishek Patel, has been suspended following the incident. Sources told India Today that around four to five rounds were fired, though the video accessed by the channel captured only one gunshot.
The footage shows Patel, wearing a blue helmet and bulletproof vest, moving towards protesters while carrying an AK-47. At least one shot is seen and heard before he signals other personnel to move forward.
Another police officer is then seen approaching, picking up an object from the ground and throwing it towards the protesters.
AK-47 controversy reaches Parliament
The issue has also reached Parliament, with Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over allegations that AK-47 rifles were used against student protesters.
Accusing the government of treating students like terrorists, Priyanka Gandhi questioned who had authorised the police action.
"What was the need to fire tear gas shells, lathi-charge students, use water cannons, pellet guns and AK-47s against them? Were they terrorists?" she asked.
With political tensions rising, focus has now shifted to the ongoing investigation, which is expected to establish whether the use of the assault rifle followed police protocols and whether disciplinary or legal action is required against those involved.
