BPSC Exam Cancellation Protest Turns Violent in Patna; 12 Protesters Detained

Patna: Protests demanding the cancellation of the BPSC 70th preliminary exam turned violent in Patna on January 30, leading to clashes between police and candidates. The demonstration, involving approximately 2,000 candidates, caused a two-hour traffic jam on Bailey Road, impacting school buses and other vehicles.

The protesters, who have been holding a sit-in at Gardanibagh for 49 days, allege irregularities in the exam. Their demands include the cancellation of the entire exam across all 912 centers, not just the Bapu Examination Center in Patna where rigging was reported. The candidates broke through police barricades at Income Tax Golambar, leading to a confrontation with police.

During the protest, police were seen dragging candidates, and one candidate reportedly pushed a policeman. Twelve individuals, including teacher Rehmanshu, who was leading the protest, were detained by the police. Police officers from all urban police stations, along with Magistrate, Law and Order DSP Krishna Murari, and Secretariat DSP Dr Anu Kumari, were present at the scene.

The Patna High Court is scheduled to hear the case regarding the BPSC 70th PT exam again on January 31. The High Court has directed the BPSC to submit an affidavit before January 30. A petition regarding the re-examination has been filed by Prashant Kishore’s party, Jansuraj, which the High Court refused to stay on January 16.