Police in Patna used water cannons and mild force on Sunday to disperse a large group of protesters demanding the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam held on December 13.
The protesters, joined earlier in the day by Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishore at Gandhi Maidan, tried to march towards the chief minister’s residence in the evening, prompting police action, according to district magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh.
The protesters also attempted to breach barricades while marching from Gandhi Maidan to JP Golumber, Singh added.
"The protesters gathered at Gandhi Maidan despite a prior warning from the administration that any demonstration would be considered unauthorised. An FIR has been filed against 21 known individuals, including Prashant Kishore, his party president Manoj Bharti, city-based tutor Ramanshu Mishra, and 600-700 unknown persons for organising the gathering despite the denial of permission," the DM said.
Kishore, who arrived in the afternoon and stayed for an hour, criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for "going to Delhi on a private visit but having no time for the youth of his own state." He also suggested that students begin a "relay fast" to ensure fewer people risk their health for the cause.
"The CM does not have time to listen to the grievances of the protesting aspirants and has gone to Delhi. The protest will continue until their demand for the cancellation of the exam is accepted. I stand with the protesting students," Kishore said while addressing the BPSC aspirants.
Some protesters were detained by police near JP Golumber when they refused to vacate the roads.
"Water cannons and mild force were used to disperse the protesters as they blocked traffic by lying on the roads near JP Golumber," the DM said.
The DM further noted, "The government has been sensitive to the concerns of the youth. The chief secretary has agreed to meet a five-member delegation from the BPSC aspirants, who have been pressing for an audience with the CM or another senior official. However, the protesters appeared disorganised and unable to nominate five representatives."
A BPSC aspirant said, "We never expected that the government would treat us like this. We are fighting for our own rights. We have nothing to do with those who are using our cause for political gains."
Police also arrested two Patna-based tutors – Ramanshu Mishra and Rohan Anand – on charges of instigating the students, said a senior police officer. Both are out on conditional bail and undergoing treatment for health issues, the officer added.
The aspirants have been protesting for several days, demanding the cancellation of the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) due to allegations of a question paper leak in all exam centres. They argue that re-examinations in just one centre would be unfair.
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