Bihar’s AK-47 Blunder Exposes Deeper Rot in Indian Policing

The transfer of 17 IPS officers in Bihar has brought into sharp focus a disturbing trend in India’s policing: the excessive use of force to quell protests and the lack of accountability that follows. This is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of behavior that needs to be addressed.

A constable who fired an AK-47 at students protesting in Bhagalpur has been suspended, but it remains unclear what concrete actions will be taken against him or his superiors. The Bihar government’s defense that the constable was “trapped in the crowd” is unconvincing given the footage of the incident, which clearly shows a policeman firing into a crowd of unarmed protesters.

The use of excessive force by police to quell protests has become a disturbing trend in India. From the 2019 Shaheen Bagh protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act to more recent ones in Jharkhand, there’s a worrying pattern of police resorting to violence to silence dissent. This behavior is not limited to these incidents; it’s a symptom of a larger problem.

What’s even more disturbing is the lack of accountability that follows such incidents. When police officers use excessive force, they’re often protected by their superiors or the state government. In some cases, they may be rewarded with promotions or medals for “meritorious service.” This creates a culture where police officers feel emboldened to use violence as a means to an end rather than as a last resort.

The Bihar incident highlights the need for better training and equipment for India’s police forces. While AK-47s may be necessary in some parts of the country, they’re clearly not suitable for policing protests. A serious review of what kinds of arms are being issued to police officers and how they’re used is long overdue.

In the long run, India needs to address the root causes of these incidents: the lack of trust between the police and the public and the failure of institutions to hold those in power accountable. This will require a fundamental shift in how policing is done in India – from an emphasis on force and control to one of community policing and engagement.

The Bihar government’s transfer of 17 IPS officers has sent shockwaves through the police establishment, but it remains unclear whether this will lead to meaningful change. Will it alter the way policing is done in India, or is it just a cosmetic exercise to placate public opinion? The answer lies in how institutions respond to these incidents and take concrete steps towards accountability.

The use of force by police in India is not new; it dates back to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. However, what’s changed is the way these incidents are reported and responded to. Social media and citizen journalism have raised awareness about the need for accountability, leading to a growing demand for transparency and action from institutions.

Despite this shift, little has changed on the ground. Police officers continue to use excessive force with impunity, while their superiors turn a blind eye or even reward them for their actions. It’s time for institutions to take concrete steps towards change rather than just paying lip service to it.

As India grapples with these issues, one thing is clear: there needs to be a fundamental shift in how policing is done. From better training and equipment to more community engagement and oversight, the Indian police establishment needs to undergo a radical transformation. It’s time for institutions to take concrete steps towards accountability – rather than just paying lip service to it.

The transfer of 17 IPS officers in Bihar may seem like a minor victory, but it’s only the beginning. As India moves forward, one thing is clear: the country needs a new approach to policing – one that prioritizes community engagement and accountability over force and control. Anything less will be too little, too late.