Patna: The start of Bihar’s constable recruitment examination on Sunday was overshadowed by protests at Pataliputra Railway Station, where candidates agitated over alleged inadequate train arrangements blocked railway tracks, disrupted train services and vandalised an examination special train.
According to officials, the protest began before the examination, with a group of candidates gathering on the tracks and halting several trains. Reports also indicated incidents of stone-pelting and damage to railway property during the unrest.
Patna District Magistrate Dr Tyagarajan S.M., who visited the site, said the administration had received information about the disturbance around midnight.
“We repeatedly appealed to those involved not to create disruptions and to cooperate with candidates who wished to reach their examination centres,” he said.
The district magistrate alleged that some individuals repeatedly pulled emergency chains and raised demands for additional special trains despite transport arrangements already being made.
“Two special trains had already been deployed. Some people were also preventing other candidates from leaving for their examination centres. In view of the situation, mild force had to be used. The situation is now normal and train services have resumed,” he said.
Local Businesses Damaged During Unrest
The disturbance also affected businesses near the station.
Sanjay Kumar Sharma, a local shopkeeper, said the protest escalated after officials attempted to clear the tracks.
“Initially, people stopped the trains. Administrative officials arrived and tried to remove them, but the crowd refused to move. After that, there was chaos and violence,” he said.
Pointing to damage at his shop, Sharma claimed stones had been thrown into the premises during the incident.
“My entire shop was vandalised. Large stones were thrown inside. I barely managed to escape,” he said.
More Than 1.6 Million Candidates Appearing
The recruitment examination is being conducted at 500 centres across Bihar and has attracted more than 1.6 million candidates competing for 4,128 vacancies.
The examination will continue until June 17.
The recruitment drive aims to fill 2,417 posts of Jail Warders, 1,603 posts of Prohibition Constables and 108 posts of Mobile Squad Constables.
Strict Examination Protocols
The examination is being conducted in two shifts. The first shift runs from 10am to 12pm, while the second is scheduled from 3pm to 5pm.
Candidates appearing in the morning session are required to report by 8am, while those in the afternoon session must reach their centres by 1pm. Authorities have said late arrivals will not be permitted to enter examination venues.
Officials have also introduced stricter examination protocols this year. Candidates are not allowed to carry even a pen into the examination hall, with writing materials being provided inside the centres.
In addition, officials deployed for examination duty have been barred from using mobile phones beginning one hour before the commencement of the examination.
Authorities said security and transport arrangements remain in place across the state as the recruitment process continues over the coming days.
