Patna: A protest by BPSC TRE-4 aspirants in Patna turned tense on Tuesday as police used water cannons and later resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse demonstrators demanding changes to the examination process.
The protesters were seeking, among other demands, a single-stage examination and the removal of negative marking in the BPSC TRE-4 recruitment process.
Several protesters were detained during the incident. They were initially taken to Secretariat police station and later shifted to Airport police station, while a group of demonstrators remained at Dakbungalow Crossing for around two hours.
Protesters Break Through Barricades
Security arrangements had been strengthened along the route from Gandhi Maidan to Dakbungalow Crossing. Police had placed barricades near the JP Roundabout to prevent the protesters from moving towards the crossing.
However, the demonstrators broke through the barricades, with a large number reaching Dakbungalow Crossing.
Police subsequently deployed water cannons to disperse the gathering. The protesters initially refused to move despite the water being sprayed at them.
Protesters Dance Amid Water Cannons
Amid the water-cannon deployment, some protesters were seen dancing while holding the Tricolour.
One student attracted attention after using the water from the cannon to wash his hair with shampoo. With shampoo still on his head, he later approached police personnel.
The incident drew attention among people present at the protest as the standoff continued.
Stone-Pelting Reported, Police Resort To Lathi-Charge
The situation escalated as the crowd grew at Dakbungalow Crossing. Police initially attempted to push the protesters back and persuade them to disperse.
When the protesters did not leave, police resorted to a lathi-charge. Reports also indicated that stones were thrown by some protesters during the confrontation.
Town DSP Kamakhya Narayan Singh was reportedly injured during the incident.
Female Student Injured
A female student also sustained a head injury during the protest and was taken to Gardiner Road Hospital for treatment.
Scuffles between protesters and police were reported at several points as police continued efforts to clear the area.
Despite the police action, a large number of BPSC TRE-4 aspirants remained gathered at Dakbungalow Crossing and nearby areas until the afternoon.
The protesters continued to press their demands for changes to the examination system, including a single-stage examination and the removal of negative marking.
