Bihar approves Rs 62.5 crore for new anti-riot vehicles and water cannons

The Bihar Cabinet has approved Rs 62.52 crore to buy 30 water cannons and 86 anti-riot Vajra vehicles for law and order duties. The decision comes during a year marked by student protests and demonstrations across the state.

Purchases

At a meeting on Wednesday, the Cabinet cleared administrative approval for the equipment. The 30 water cannons will cost Rs 88 lakh each, totaling Rs 26.40 crore. The 86 new Vajra vehicles will cost Rs 42 lakh each, totaling Rs 36.12 crore. These purchases are meant for crowd control during agitations, festivals, fairs, and election rallies.

Usage

The Home Department, under Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, stated the vehicles will also be deployed during VIP and VVIP visits. They will help handle riots, land disputes, road accidents on national highways, communal sensitivities, and other emergencies. This follows the recent formation of District Anti-Riot Forces by the Bihar Police to tackle violent protests and attacks on government property.

Background

Recent unrest in the state includes protests over NEET and the Teacher Recruitment Examination, alongside clashes demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Earlier in July, NEET-UG paper leak protests injured 13 civilians and 91 police personnel, including three people with bullet injuries in Siwan. However, state government data shows a steady drop in overall riot cases from 9,419 in 2020 down to 2,502 in 2025.

Context

State governments often strengthen police fleets with specialized riot-control vehicles ahead of major election cycles or during prolonged periods of public unrest. Such equipment is designed to help security forces manage large crowds with minimal physical harm while protecting personnel during violent clashes.