Patna: Chaos broke out at a two-day Artificial Intelligence summit in Patna on Saturday after several students and young professionals were denied entry despite possessing valid registration passes for the event.
A large number of attendees gathered outside the venue and staged protests, alleging mismanagement by organisers. Students claimed they had paid registration fees ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 15,000 and had completed the required online registration process in advance.
The situation intensified near the main entrance as frustrated participants raised slogans and demanded access to the programme.
Students Allege Organisational Failure
Many students said they had travelled from districts across Bihar and from outside the state to attend the summit, only to be turned away at the gate.
Suraj Kumar, one of the attendees, said he had received a confirmed pass from the organisers but was still denied entry.
“I had registered for the event and was even issued a pass by the organisers; yet, despite holding a valid entry pass, I was not allowed to enter,” he said.
Several students from technical institutes and engineering colleges described the summit as an important opportunity to engage with developments in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
They argued that inadequate planning deprived them of access to the sessions despite paying the required fees.
Organisers Cite Capacity And Security Concerns
Following the protests, organisers and local authorities said the venue had limited seating capacity and that entry restrictions were imposed due to security requirements.
Officials stated that only individuals whose names appeared on the final guest list were allowed inside the venue. Repeated appeals were made to protesters to maintain calm.
Security arrangements remained tight throughout the event due to the presence of senior political and administrative officials.
Senior Leaders Attend Summit
Among the prominent attendees was Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who addressed the gathering as chief guest.
Speaking at the summit, Choudhary urged members of the Bihari diaspora living across India and abroad to contribute towards Bihar’s development and consider returning to the state.
“The time has come; contribute to your state and cooperate in its advancement,” he said.
Remarks On Governance And Law And Order
During his address, Choudhary also spoke about governance and law enforcement in Bihar. He warned that strict action would be taken against criminals and said police had been instructed to respond swiftly to threats to law and order.
He further stated that criminals should not be identified through caste or religion and cautioned government officials against delays in administrative work.
The deputy chief minister said disciplinary action would be initiated against officials found unnecessarily delaying files or administrative decisions.
