BPSC Protests Turn Violent: Lathi-Charge, FIR Against Prashant Kishor

Protests over the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam held on December 13 escalated in Patna on Sunday as aspirants demanded its cancellation amid allegations of a question paper leak. The protest turned chaotic, resulting in police using water cannons and lathi-charging the crowd to disperse them.

The BPSC protest began at Patna’s iconic Gandhi Maidan, where hundreds of students gathered to voice their concerns. Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor joined the protestors, criticizing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his absence during the unrest. “The chief minister does not have time to listen to the grievances of the protesting aspirants and has gone to Delhi,” Kishor said, urging students to adopt a “relay fast” to sustain their protest safely.

Later in the evening, the protestors attempted to march towards the chief minister’s residence but were met with barricades near JP Golumber. District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh stated that protestors tried to jump the barricades, prompting the use of water cannons and mild force to disperse them. Some protestors lay on the roads, blocking traffic, leading to several detentions.

Authorities registered an FIR against 21 identified individuals, including Prashant Kishor, Jan Suraaj party president Manoj Bharti, and city-based tutors Ramanshu Mishra and Rohan Anand, along with 600-700 unidentified protestors. The charges include organizing an unauthorized gathering despite being denied permission by the authorities.

The protesting candidates demanded the cancellation of the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE). They argued that holding a re-exam at only one center was unjust. “We never expected the government to treat us like this. We are fighting for our rights,” said one aspirant.

The administration expressed willingness to engage with protestors, suggesting a five-member delegation meet with senior officials. However, authorities noted that the protestors were disorganized and unable to nominate representatives.

The incident has sparked significant political and public debate. It highlights the ongoing tension between Bihar’s youth and the state administration over employment. There is also tension regarding examination transparency.