Patna, Bihar – A massive protest by students outside the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) office on December 25, 2024, turned violent when the police resorted to a lathi charge. The protest was organized to highlight alleged irregularities and inefficiencies in the BPSC examination process. Several students were injured in the incident, leading to widespread outrage among the youth and political parties.

The Protest and Its Causes

The protest began with hundreds of students gathering outside the BPSC office in Patna. The students demanded transparency in the examination process, timely announcement of results, and changes to the examination pattern. They alleged that frequent delays and procedural flaws were creating immense stress and uncertainty among aspirants.

Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the students aimed to draw attention to their grievances, but the situation escalated when a section of protesters attempted to block roads and approach the BPSC office.

Police Action: Lathi Charge on Students

To control the growing crowd, the police intervened. As the situation became more chaotic, the authorities used a lathi charge to disperse the students. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as students ran to escape the police action.

Many students were injured in the lathi charge, with several requiring medical attention. Videos and images of the incident quickly spread on social media, drawing criticism of the police's heavy-handed approach.

Student Reaction and Demands

The police action only fueled the anger of the students, who accused the administration of suppressing their voices instead of addressing their concerns. They demanded the following:

1. A formal apology for the lathi charge.
2. Immediate reforms in the BPSC examination process.
3. A high-level inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the examinations.

Student leaders also vowed to continue their protests across Bihar until their demands are met.

Government's Response

The Bihar government defended the police's actions, citing the need to maintain law and order. At the same time, officials from the BPSC assured that they were open to discussions with student representatives to address their grievances.

However, the assurances did little to pacify the students, who criticized the government for failing to acknowledge their struggles.

Political and Public Outcry

The incident has sparked a political storm, with opposition parties condemning the lathi charge and expressing solidarity with the protesting students. Leaders from various parties demanded accountability from the state government and immediate action to resolve the students' concerns.

Social activists and intellectuals also weighed in, calling the police action excessive and highlighting the need for systemic reforms in the state's education system.

The Road Ahead

With tensions running high, student unions have announced plans for statewide protests in the coming days. Security around the BPSC office has been tightened to prevent further unrest.

This incident has brought to the forefront the urgent need for reform in Bihar's examination and recruitment processes. As students continue their fight for justice, the state government faces mounting pressure to address the issues and restore trust in the system.