New Delhi, Aug. 18 -- The Bihar government has informed the Supreme Court that a constable deployed during student protests in Siwan fired four rounds from an AK-47 only after he became trapped and surrounded by a protesting crowd, maintaining that the firing was directed into the air and did not cause injuries to any protesters.

The State government's response was filed before the apex court in proceedings arising from petitions alleging excessive use of force by police during protests associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led student movement.

In its affidavit, the Bihar government said the incident involving the AK-47 took place on July 25 near JP Chowk in Siwan, where constable Abhishek Kumar was allegedly surrounded by pr...