Prashant Kishor Demands Bihar Government Resolve PSC Exam Paper Leak Issue Within Three Days

Prashant Kishor, a political strategist turned activist, has given the Bihar government three days to address issues related to an alleged question paper leak in a recent PSC exam. Civil service aspirants have been protesting, and police have faced criticism for using force on them. Kishor's Jan Suraaj party had previously requested the cancellation of the December 13 exam conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC).

Chaos erupted outside the BPSC office when police used batons on protesters demanding the cancellation of the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024. Protesters alleged irregularities, including paper leaks, and sought a re-examination. A confrontation occurred as protesters marched towards the BPSC office, pressing their demands.

Protests and Political Reactions

Kishor visited Gardani Bagh, where aspirants have been holding a sit-in, demanding the exam's cancellation. He urged the government to meet with students or their representatives to consider their demand for a re-examination. "The administration must resolve this issue within three days," Kishor stated, pledging support for the protesters and planning to join a march on Monday.

RJD leader Lalu Prasad condemned the police action against job aspirants, stating it was wrong. "Police should not have done this," he told reporters in Patna. Meanwhile, Congress and Purnea MP Pappu Yadav also criticised the police's actions and threatened a Bihar bandh on January 1 if the exam wasn't cancelled.

Tragic Incident and Public Outcry

Kishor highlighted a tragic incident involving a civil service aspirant who died by suicide in Patna on Tuesday. He called it unfortunate and urged the government to provide Rs 10 lakh compensation to the deceased's family. The 25-year-old Sonu from Patna's Paliganj area had been under stress due to multiple competitive exams.

Popular vlogger Motiur Rahman Khan, known as Guru Rahman, joined the protests at Gardani Bagh but expressed displeasure over Kishor's alleged attempt to gain political mileage from the protest. "We will not allow any opposition leaders to come here and derive political mileage out of the protest," Rahman declared.

Investigation into Protests

A Delhi-based tutor was arrested for allegedly instigating aspirants who attempted to storm into the BPSC office. Patna District Magistrate Chandrasekhar Singh stated that preliminary investigations revealed Rohit, a tutor from Delhi, mobilised and instigated aspirants. Senior Superintendent of Police Rajeev Mishra noted that Rohit brought individuals posing as disgruntled job seekers.

The investigation is focusing on uncovering any larger conspiracy behind these events and identifying funding sources for those involved. The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) will receive a preliminary report from Patna Police regarding this matter.

The ongoing protests highlight significant concerns over alleged irregularities in the BPSC exam process. As tensions rise, authorities are under pressure to address these issues promptly while ensuring justice for affected aspirants.