Police Use Lathi Charge, Water Cannons on Students Demanding Bihar Public Service Re-Exam

Protests over the alleged paper leak during the Bihar Public Service Commission’s (BPSC) 70th Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) escalated in Patna today, with police resorting to lathi charges and water cannons to disperse demonstrators. The ongoing agitation, now on its tenth day, stems from claims of irregularities at the Bapu Pariksha Parisar exam center.

In Short

• Protests Intensify: Students demand a re-test of the 70th CCE.
• Police Action: Lathi charges and water cannons were used to control crowds.
• BPSC Stance: No cancellation; main exam scheduled for April.

Protest Timeline

Thousands of BPSC aspirants gathered at Gandhi Maidan before marching toward JP Golambar, intending to proceed to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s residence. The police, who had not approved the march, intervened as protesters demanded a meeting with the Chief Minister to address their grievances.

The All India Students’ Association (AISA) called for a ‘chakka jam’ on Monday to protest police action.

Prashant Kishor, founder of Jan Suraj, joined the protests, voicing support for the students and marching with them to JP Golambar. He facilitated a proposed meeting between a student delegation and the Chief Secretary. However, students rejected this proposal, insisting on a meeting with the Chief Minister.

BPSC's Response

BPSC Examination Controller Rajesh Kumar Singh reiterated that the exam would not be canceled, stating that the alleged irregularities were confined to one center and did not affect the integrity of the overall process.

He emphasized:

• The main exam is scheduled for April.
• Protests lack substantial evidence.
• Over 900 centers conducted the exam without reported issues.

Protesters' Stance

Students remain firm in their demand for a complete cancellation of the 70th CCE, citing fairness concerns. Despite BPSC's assurances, the protests have grown, with demonstrators rejecting partial remedies like re-exams at specific centers.

Earlier, attempts by protesters to enter the BPSC office premises also resulted in clashes with the police, leading to lathi charges.

Looking Ahead

With tensions mounting, Prashant Kishor has hinted at further action, including a potential “Chhatra Sansad” to strategize future protests. However, city authorities have denied permission for such events.

The situation remains volatile, as students continue their fight for accountability and transparency in one of Bihar’s most crucial examinations.