Thousands of students and women took part in an Bihar assembly march organized by AISA and AIPWA on February 10 demanding justice for NEET victim and other cases of violence against girls in Bihar. The march, under the banner of Beti Bachao Nyay March which started from Gandhi Maidan Gate 10 at noon, was stopped at JP Golambar by heavy police barricades.
The demonstrators, moving peacefully to submit their memorandum to the Chief Minister, were met with force. Police resorted to push and lathi-charge, injuring several women in the hands, head, and legs. Hundreds were dispersed, and the main march could not initially reach Dakbungalow Chowk.
Despite repression, the marchers broke through the barricades at JP Golambar and regrouped at Dakbungalow Chowk, where police had again set up barriers. Demonstrators demanded a meeting with the Chief Minister and justice for Bihar’s daughters, including the NEET student. They later held a public assembly at the chowk.
Addressing the assembly, AIPWA GS Meena Tiwari said crimes against women and girls are increasing in Bihar. The NEET victim case, the six-year-old girl in Darbhanga, and incidents in Buxar show the state government’s failure to protect women. Instead of acting against perpetrators, the administration is attacking women protesters.
She demanded that the NEET student case be investigated under Supreme Court supervision, saying CBI alone cannot ensure justice. CPIML MLC Shashi Yadav criticized the government for trying to suppress the issue both in the assembly and on the streets, humiliating women leaders and repressing peaceful protestors.
The assembly march was part of a seven-day Beti Bachao Nyay Yatra (Save Daughter- Justice March) that began from Jehanabad on February 4 with thousands of women and students participating.
The memorandum to the Chief Minister included following demands:
1. NEET student case must be investigated under Supreme Court supervision, not only by CBI.
2. Anamika case must be independently re-investigated and strict action taken against guilty officials.
3. Darbhanga (Bela) rape-murder case should be fast-tracked in court and perpetrators punished severely.
4. State-level inquiry into post-election rise in violence against women and girls.
5. Immediate security audit of all private hostels, student accommodations, and coaching centers.
6. Punitive action against police and officials negligent in cases of crimes against women and children.
7. Ensure victim families are provided safe environment, legal and financial support.
The memorandum warns that failure of the government to take immediate, impartial, and transparent action will indicate moral and political responsibility of the state for ongoing violence against women and girls
The march was also included AISA General Secretary Prasenjit Kumar, former JNUSU President Dhananjay Kumar, Sohila Gupta, Sangeeta Singh, Rita Varnwal, Saroj Chaube, Preeti Kumari, Sabir Kumar, Kumar Divyam, Saba Afrin, Manisha Yadav, Anu, Priya, Deepankar, and other leaders. Legislators Sandeep Saurabh, MLC Shashi Yadav, former MLA Gopal Ravidas, Sister Dorothy, and Meera Dutt also extended support.
