Protests Over Alleged BPSC Exam Paper Leak Lead to Police Action in Patna, FIR Lodged Against Prashant Kishore

Protesters demanding the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024, held on 13 December, were dispersed by police using water cannons and a lathi charge on Sunday (29 December) in Patna.

The protesters had initially gathered at Gandhi Maidan, despite prior warnings from authorities declaring such demonstrations unauthorised.

They were later joined by Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor, who criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for prioritising a private trip to Delhi over addressing the concerns of Bihar's youth.

“The chief minister does not have time to listen to the grievances of the protesting aspirants and has gone to Delhi. The protest will continue till their demand for the cancellation of the exam is not accepted. I am always with the protesting students,” Kishore said.

The protesters attempted to march towards the chief minister’s residence, leading to clashes near JP Golumber. District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh stated, “Water cannons and mild force were used to disperse protestors as some of them blocked traffic by lying on the roads near JP Golumber.”

An FIR has been registered against 21 known individuals, including Kishore, his party president Manoj Bharti, and tutor Ramanshu Mishra, along with 600-700 unidentified persons, for organizing the protest without permission.

The aspirants are demanding a re-examination for all centers, alleging a widespread question paper leak. “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 coming here to support our stir for political gains,” said a protesting candidate.

Police also detained two tutors, Ramanshu Mishra and Rohan Anand, for allegedly inciting students. Both have been released on conditional bail.

The government has proposed a meeting between a five-member delegation of aspirants and the chief secretary, but the protesters have yet to nominate representatives.