Student protesters block train, halt rail services briefly in Bihar

Bhim Army workers and student protesters blocked tracks at Arrah station and stopped the Patna-Buxar Passenger during the Bihar bandh. The agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak briefly disrupted rail services before police and RPF restored normalcy.The protest was part of the Bihar bandh called to press for a transparent probe into the alleged NEET paper leak. (Credits: Sonu Singh)The Bihar bandh called on Saturday over the alleged NEET paper leak saw widespread protests in Bhojpur district, with Bhim Army workers and student protesters blocking railway tracks at Arrah railway station and briefly disrupting train services.According to reports, the protesters climbed onto the tracks and stopped the Patna–Buxar Passenger train stationed at Platform No 2. Raising slogans against the Centre, they demanded a fair investigation into the alleged paper leak and stringent action against those responsible.The demonstrators also allegedly attempted to damage the station's newly constructed entry gate, creating a tense situation at the railway station and causing inconvenience to passengers.Following information about the protest, teams from the local police and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) reached the spot and persuaded the protesters to vacate the tracks and station premises. Rail services resumed after the demonstrators were removed from the site.The protest was part of the Bihar bandh called to press for a transparent probe into the alleged NEET paper leak and to seek strict action against those involved in the examination irregularities.Student organisations and youth groups have intensified their protests in recent weeks, alleging that irregularities in the examination process have jeopardised the future of lakhs of aspirants. They have been demanding an impartial investigation, accountability for those responsible and measures to safeguard the integrity of competitive examinations.Visuals from Arrah railway station showed protesters occupying the railway tracks, shouting slogans against the Central government and halting the passenger train. Police and RPF personnel were also seen engaging with the demonstrators and urging them to clear the tracks, allowing rail operations to return to normal.No injuries were reported in the incident. Authorities restored normalcy after the protesters dispersed, though the demonstration briefly affected train movement at the station.- EndsPublished By: Ritaban MisraPublished On: Jul 25, 2026 20:42 IST