Patna: Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar and 20 other party members were detained by the Patna Police as they attempted to march towards the residence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The group was leading the ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ rally, aimed at addressing rising unemployment in the state.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the march was intercepted by police at Rajapur Pul. The demonstrators were stopped to prevent them from reaching the Chief Minister’s residence, a move that led to tensions and physical confrontations.

Krishna Murari, Deputy Superintendent of Police for Central Patna, stated, “We have detained around 20 persons, including Kanhaiya Kumar, and taken them to Kotwali police station for legal proceedings.” Initial efforts to disperse the demonstrators using water cannons proved ineffective as senior Congress leaders remained steadfast.

As tensions escalated, a lathi-charge was employed, leading to the detention of several protestors. Despite the police action, many Congress workers continued their march, attempting to breach the barricades set up by law enforcement.

The situation resulted in a tense atmosphere in central Patna, with heavy police presence and ongoing clashes between protestors and police officers.

Congress leader and former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot participated in the rally. Walking alongside Kanhaiya Kumar and other youth leaders, Pilot criticized both the Delhi and Bihar governments for their handling of employment issues, highlighting the grievances of the state’s youth.