718 held, 138 FIRs lodged against protesters in Bihar

PATNA: Altogether 718 people were identified and arrested as the police lodged as many as 138 separate FIRs against the protesters for vandalizing government property and causing mayhem across the state in the last four days of protests against the Centre’s Agnipath scheme for recruitment in armed forces for 4 years only.
The police, on the basis of video footage and mobile tower locations across the state, believed that some of the protesters had also taken part in the violent agitation six months ago over the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) non-technical popular category (NTPC) examination results. The officials said the ongoing arson against the Army recruitment scheme could be planned.
A senior official confirmed that some of the miscreants behind the ongoing protests are the same people involved in the agitations against the NTPC results. “It surfaced after checking their mobile phones,” he said.
Jitendra Singh Gangwar, ADG (HQ), said 138 FIRs have been lodged since June 16, including 25 on Saturday. “So far, 718 antisocial elements have been arrested after their identification in the police investigation, including around 250 during Bihar bandh on Saturday. More arrests are likely,” he said.
“All the police officers and magistrates showed great restraint and they will continue their vigil. Legal action will be taken against those involved in the violence,” he told TOI.
He requested the youths and public in general not to resort to any vandalism. He also appealed to youths not to be misled by anyone. “The police are also investigating from the conspiracy angle,” Gangwar said.
Patna SSP Manavjit Singh Dhillon said on the basis of video footage, 170 people involved in the Danapur and Paliganj incidents were identified on Friday.
“A named FIR has been registered against all of them. Of these, 46 people were arrested. So far, 147 people have been arrested and 10 FIRs registered in Patna district,” he said.