Protest Erupts in Patna Over Alleged Bihar PSC Exam Paper Leak and Police Response

On Wednesday, chaos erupted during a protest over the alleged leak of a question paper for the December 13 combined preliminary exam conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). The situation escalated when police used batons on job aspirants. Protesters claimed injuries, but a senior officer denied these allegations.

Protesters gathered near the BPSC office on Bailey Road, intending to press their demands. Despite being stopped by police, some managed to reach the office, disrupting traffic. Security personnel's requests to vacate the area were ignored, leading to a mild baton charge to disperse them, according to Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Rajeev Mishra.

Police Action and Reactions

The police have filed a case against the protesters involved in Wednesday's incident. Video clips showing police action against job seekers went viral on social media. Some clips depicted officers chasing and beating protesters, including women. However, the authenticity of these videos remains unverified.

Protesters voiced their anger against BPSC officials, demanding the cancellation of the December 13 exam. Some claimed they were treated harshly by police. "We were mercilessly beaten up by the police as if we are terrorists," said one protester anonymously.

Political Responses and Demands

The Congress party condemned the police's actions against job seekers. Bihar Congress spokesperson Rajesh Rathore stated, "The state government and BPSC must accept students' demands. Our party condemns Wednesday's police action against them." Independent MP from Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, called for a Bihar bandh on January 1, 2025, if the exam is not cancelled.

BPSC Chairman Parmar Ravi Manubhai ruled out cancelling the entire exam but announced a re-examination for candidates at Bapu Pariksha Parisar centre in Patna on January 4, 2025. This decision followed disruptions caused by unruly candidates on December 13, where an official died of a heart attack.

Allegations and Investigations

Protesters alleged that question papers were leaked before the exam began at certain centres. Some women protesters reached Gardani Bagh wearing bangles as a symbolic gesture against BPSC officials. "We have brought bangles for the BPSC officials," said one woman protester without revealing her name.

A girl seen in a purported video was verified with nearby hospitals and admitted herself to PMCH. According to doctors, she had no visible injuries or fractures after an X-ray examination of her arm.

The job aspirants continue to demand the cancellation of the preliminary examination and request a new date for the test. The commission has issued show-cause notices to 34 aspirants allegedly involved in disruptions at Bapu Pariksha Parisar centre.