Protestors Demand Re-Exam, Clash with Police in Patna

Protests erupted in Patna against alleged irregularities in the BPSC 70th exam, demanding its cancellation due to a question paper leak. Police used water cannons and lathi-charge to disperse protesters, including Prashant Kishore. An FIR was lodged against organizers, while students criticized the government for neglecting their grievances.

Patna witnessed a tense standoff on Sunday as hundreds of civil service aspirants protested against alleged irregularities in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE). Claiming a widespread question paper leak, the protesters demanded the cancellation of the December 13 exam.

The rally, which began at Gandhi Maidan, gained momentum with the presence of Prashant Kishore, founder of Jan Suraaj. As protesters attempted to march towards the Chief Minister's residence, authorities resorted to water cannons and a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. The district administration had earlier deemed the protest unauthorized, citing the absence of prior permission.

District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh stated that an FIR was filed against 21 identified individuals, including Kishore, his party president Manoj Bharti, and over 600 unknown participants. Two city-based tutors were also arrested on allegations of instigating students, though both were later released on conditional bail.

Protesters expressed frustration at the government's response, accusing officials of neglecting their grievances. “We are fighting for fairness, not political agendas,” said one aspirant.

Kishore criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for prioritizing a personal trip to Delhi over the crisis. He proposed a relay fast as a peaceful form of protest, urging the government to cancel the exam. Authorities suggested a delegation of five students meet with senior officials, but a lack of coordination among protesters stalled the dialogue.

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The incident has sparked debates about transparency in recruitment exams and the handling of youth-led protests in Bihar. As the demand for justice continues, the situation remains unresolved.