India police use water cannons on protests

On 3 August 2026, Rajasthan police in Jaipur used lathi charges and water‑cannon fire to disperse a large rally of the Shree Rajput Karni Sena led by Mahipal Singh Makrana. Demonstrators from 24 states started at Ravan Gate, intending to submit a memorandum to the district collector. Police erected barricades at Kalwar Puliya, Chomu Puliya and Khasakothi Puliya; when the crowd forced through, water‑cannon vehicles were deployed. An ambulance was briefly trapped, and Makrana, who fell ill, continued the march in a wheelchair. The Special Task Force was called in to reinforce the route.

On 4 August 2026, Bihar police in Patna confronted a student march organized by the National Students’ Union of India and allied groups demanding a probe into a paper‑leak scandal, recruitment‑exam irregularities and more job opportunities. Barricades were set up at JP Golambar and the Income‑Tax circle; after demonstrators attempted to breach them, officers used a water cannon and arrested several leaders, including NSUI national president Vinod Jakhad and Congress state president Rajesh Ram. Protesters also called for withdrawal of pending cases, compensation for a student injured in a prior Siwan clash, and release of detained activists. The action caused temporary traffic disruptions in the city.