Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh was caught on camera slapping a student during a protest over the alleged leak of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam paper.
The protest took place on Friday at the Bapu Examination Centre in Kumhrar, Patna, during the BPSC 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE).
In a video, the District Magistrate can be seen arguing with a protester, asking him to leave, and then slapping him, causing the student's spectacles to fall to the ground. Police officers nearby escorted the student away, while Singh shouted at the remaining protesters.
Around 400 candidates boycotted the exam, claiming the question paper was leaked on social media. However, BPSC Chairman Parmar Ravi Manubhai refuted the claims.
He stated that some students had snatched the question paper from invigilators and caused a disturbance. He emphasised that the exam went smoothly at 911 other centers across the state, and no official complaints about a paper leak were received.
Students share concerns
Protesting students alleged mismanagement during the exam. They reported delays in receiving question papers and OMR sheets, with some candidates receiving them 15 to 45 minutes late or not at all.
“Some candidates didn’t get papers, while others had their papers snatched after a few minutes. Our exam room was locked,” a student said. Another student claimed, “In hall number 3, papers weren’t given until 12:45 pm, and invigilators threatened us. This is playing with our future.”
Some students also reported being told by invigilators that question papers were being photocopied, causing further delays.
BPSC denies leak allegation
At a press conference, BPSC Chairman Parmar Ravi Manubhai assured that there was no paper leak. He labelled the protest a "conspiracy" and said strict action would be taken against those spreading false rumors and disrupting the exam.
He confirmed that CCTV footage was being reviewed and a report from the Patna District Magistrate would be submitted. "With over 5 lakh candidates appearing for the exam and no issues reported from other centers, the claims of a paper leak are baseless," he stated.
Authorities have promised to investigate the disruptions and take necessary action against those responsible.
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