Tensions flared in Bihar’s Patna district on Wednesday after a student leader publicly burned a copy of the Manusmriti during a protest against the UGC Equity Regulations 2026, an act that was followed by a controversial video by a Hindutva leader threatening retaliation.
The incident occurred at Patna College, where Left-leaning and Dalit student groups had gathered to protest the proposed regulations. During the demonstration, Manish Kumar, a former president of the Patna University Students’ Union, set fire to the Manusmriti while addressing the crowd. In videos that later circulated on social media, he is heard asserting that the country would be governed by the Constitution rather than the ancient text.
Soon after clips of the protest spread online, Madhavlal Kashyap, associated with the group Hindu Swabhiman Bihar, posted a video issuing threats and making derogatory remarks targeting a religious community. In the video, he warned of burning copies of the Quran across Bihar if action was not taken against the student leader within 24 hours. He also made objectionable references to key Islamic figures.
The remarks triggered concern and prompted police action. An FIR was registered at a cybercrime police station against Kashyap for allegedly sharing inflammatory content on social media. According to officials, the posts were examined and found to potentially incite communal tension and disturb public order.
In a statement, Nalanda police said they received information about the video on Wednesday and, after reviewing it, invoked relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A special team has been constituted to investigate the matter, and authorities are also identifying individuals involved in circulating the content online.
Police sources added that multiple cases have previously been registered against Kashyap. The situation remains under watch as the investigation continues.
