Patna: Heightened security remained in place across several parts of the city on Friday following the recent student protest in the NEET paper leak case, with police continuing to guard major intersections, educational institutions and govt establishments against possible demonstrations.Additional police personnel were deployed at Dak Bungalow Chowk, Income Tax Golambar, Punaichak Chowraha and Bailey Road. Precautionary deployments were made around Gandhi Maidan and the Bihar Legislative Assembly. Barricades remained in place at several locations, and regular patrolling and vehicle checking were carried out to monitor the situation. Despite the increased security cover, traffic movement largely remained smooth.At JP Golambar, 200 personnel along with water cannons were deployed even as Patna police launched a rapid action drive. Students seen on roads were stopped and questioned. A flag march was also taken out, starting from Gandhi Maidan and passing through Kargil Chowk, Ashok Rajpath, BN College, Patna University, NIT Morh and Kadamkuan before completing a round of the city.Patna DM, SSP and SHOs of all police stations were present while around 50 police vehicles took part in the march.At key locations like Gandhi Maidan, R-Block and Dakbangla Chowk, BSAP, CRPF and police forces were deployed since morning. Water cannons and tear gas shells were also on standby. At Dakbangla Chowk, Barh SDPO, riot control vehicles and a large police force were stationed. At R-Block, Law and Order SDPO-2 monitored the situation.Entry of youths into Gandhi Maidan was restricted, while general public movement was allowed.Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma said things are normal. “We have made deployments at various places to ensure it continues like this. This is also a message for anti-social elements. If anyone does anything, legal action will be taken,” Sharma said, adding, “We are also monitoring social media. Those who instigated such incidents will be identified and action will be taken. People sharing objectionable content are also being identified and action will follow.”Similar deployment was made in Gaya, Aurangabad and other districts. Police personnel with lathis, water cannons, tear gas and full protective gear were stationed.
