A disturbing incident unfolded in Gopalganj, Bihar, on Wednesday during a nationwide strike known as the Bharat Bandh. Protesters, demonstrating against the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) reservations, reportedly attempted to set a school bus on fire.
The incident occurred amid widespread protests across the country, organized by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti. Protesters blocked roads, vandalized property, and disrupted normal life in several areas. A video of the incident in Gopalganj, which quickly went viral on social media, showed a mob surrounding a yellow school bus carrying several children. A burning tire was seen under the bus, and the bus was forced to drive over torched tires that protesters had placed in the middle of the road.
The video also captured a man wearing a black shirt clearing a path for the bus through the crowd, which was carrying sticks. In another video, protesters were seen surrounding an ambulance.
The incident sparked outrage, with many condemning the attack on the school bus and the intimidation of emergency responders. The timely intervention of the Gopalganj police prevented the attack on the bus from escalating.
Following the incident, the Gopalganj Superintendent of Police, Swarn Prabhat, ordered the arrest of those involved in vandalism and misbehavior. The district administration is investigating the incident and taking steps to ensure the safety of residents.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered on August 1, stated that states have the power to sub-classify SCs and STs to ensure adequate representation. The court’s decision has sparked controversy, with some groups arguing that it weakens the reservation system, while others believe it provides more flexibility for states to address specific needs within the SC and ST communities.
The Bharat Bandh, organized in response to the ruling, served as a platform for various groups to express their concerns and demands. The incident in Gopalganj highlights the tension and unrest surrounding the issue of reservations and the need for peaceful and constructive dialogue to address these concerns.
