1980 Bhagalpur blindings

The 1980 Bhagalpur blindings refer to a series of violent incidents that occurred between 10 and 14 November 1980 in Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. The events were sparked by communal tensions and police action against rioters during the aftermath of a communal clash. In an attempt to quell unrest, local police initiated a controversial campaign of blinding suspects associated with the violence, resulting in the forced blindness of approximately 30 individuals, many of whom were innocent bystanders. The incident drew widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and highlighted severe abuses of power by law enforcement. The Bhagalpur blindings remain a significant event in the discourse on police misconduct and communal violence in India.