In a tense standoff between students and law enforcement, Bihar Police resorted to lathi charges to disperse a large group of students protesting the alleged mismanagement of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam. The incident took place on December 27, 2024, near the BPSC office in Patna, where hundreds of students had gathered to demand answers regarding the chaotic conduct of the exam.
The students were protesting the irregularities in the examination process, including allegations of paper leaks, discrepancies in the question papers, and delays in results. Many candidates were seen holding placards and chanting slogans, demanding accountability from the Bihar government and the BPSC.
Details of the Protest:
The protests began peacefully but soon escalated as the crowd grew larger. Tensions reached a boiling point when police were deployed to manage the growing unrest. According to eyewitnesses, police officers attempted to control the crowd using force, resulting in several students being injured in the lathi charge. Some students were seen with minor injuries and bruises as they were being carried away by their fellow protesters.
Local authorities have confirmed that the police action was taken in response to the protestors’ refusal to disperse despite repeated warnings. However, many students claim that the police response was disproportionate and unjustified.
Student Reactions and Demands:
The protesting students expressed frustration with the BPSC’s handling of the exam process and the lack of transparency. “We’ve been waiting for months for the results, and the whole process has been chaotic. We want justice, not police violence,” said one student protestor.
Many students are calling for a complete review of the BPSC’s recruitment process and the formation of an independent inquiry into the alleged malpractices. The Bihar Students’ Union has voiced strong opposition to the police’s use of force, calling for a peaceful resolution to the matter.
Government Response:
In the wake of the incident, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar assured that the government would look into the grievances of the students. The CM urged the students to remain calm and promised that the BPSC would address the issues raised during the protest. However, the government’s response has been met with skepticism, and students are demanding concrete actions.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many calling for reforms in the examination system and stricter accountability for officials responsible for the alleged lapses.
