Tension in Patna: BPSC Exam Protests Escalate

Bihar Education Minister confirms BPSC will investigate complaints from aspirants against the 70th CCE exam. Protests in Patna demanding exam cancellation led to police intervention using lathi-charge and water cannons. An FIR has been registered against 600-700 individuals, including Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishore, for unlawful gatherings.

Bihar's Education Minister Sunil Kumar announced on Monday that the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) will investigate complaints from aspirants regarding the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) of 2024. Asserting their right to voice objections, Kumar stated that while protests are permissible, the Commission is committed to addressing these issues appropriately.

On December 13, tensions escalated in Patna as students protested, demanding the cancellation of the CCE preliminary examination conducted by the BPSC. The situation intensified when Bihar police resorted to lathi-charge and deployed water cannons to disperse protesters gathered at Gandhi Maidan.

In the aftermath, police filed an FIR against 600-700 individuals, including Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishore, citing unauthorized assembly, incitement, and public disorder. According to Patna Administration, the Jan Suraaj Party was denied permission to hold a 'Chhatra Sansad' near the Gandhi statue, yet a crowd convened, leading to disruptive confrontations with law enforcement.

(With inputs from agencies.)