The Bihar administration on 24 July imposed a temporary internet shutdown in parts of Muzaffarpur and arrested 15 people in Jehanabad following large-scale violence during a student protest, as authorities moved to contain unrest spreading across the state.

Internet Suspended in Muzaffarpur

Acting on a recommendation from the Muzaffarpur district administration, the Bihar Home Department ordered a suspension of internet-based social media and messaging services in the Town-1 and Town-2 police sub-divisions of the city. The order, issued by the Special Branch of the Home Department, took effect at 12:30 pm on 24 July and is set to remain in force until 10:00 am on 26 July.

The decision followed a joint report by the District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), who flagged the risk of anti-social elements using digital platforms to spread inflammatory or misleading content capable of disturbing public order.

Access to approximately 24 social networking and messaging platforms — including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and Instagram — has been restricted. Transmission of messages, photographs, videos, and other digital content through these services remains suspended for the duration. Internet services required for authorised government and official administrative work have been exempted to ensure essential public services continue uninterrupted.

Violence in Jehanabad: What Happened

In a separate development, Inspector General (IG) of the Magadh Range, Vikas Vaibhav, visited Jehanabad to assess the aftermath of large-scale violence that erupted during a student protest. According to officials, protesters allegedly vandalised property and attacked the District Magistrate's residence during the unrest.

The IG inspected the affected locations and reviewed the law-and-order situation with district police officials. Several police personnel were injured during the clashes, and police reportedly fired multiple rounds in the air to bring the situation under control as violence escalated.

Arrests and Ongoing Investigation

15 people have been arrested so far in connection with the Jehanabad violence, according to IG Vikas Vaibhav. Authorities are continuing efforts to identify other alleged participants through CCTV footage, video recordings, and other available evidence.

Speaking after his inspection, Vaibhav stated: 'While peaceful protest is a constitutional and democratic right, violence, vandalism, destruction of government property and taking the law into one's own hands cannot be tolerated.' He warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible for inciting violence, damaging public property, or disrupting law and order.

Broader Context

The twin developments reflect a pattern of authorities reaching for digital shutdowns alongside conventional policing during episodes of civil unrest — a tool that has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups who argue such blanket restrictions impede access to information for ordinary citizens. This is not the first time Bihar has invoked internet suspension orders to pre-empt rumour-driven violence; similar measures have been deployed in the state during previous communal and protest-related flashpoints.

With investigations ongoing and the internet blackout in Muzaffarpur in force until 26 July, the situation across both districts will remain under close watch by state authorities.