Bihar Daroga Protest: Police Stop Agitating Candidates In Patna, Ask Them To Form Delegation

Patna: The anger of the candidates was visible on the streets on Monday in protest against the cancellation of the main examination for the recruitment of 1,799 posts of sub-inspector of the Bihar Police Under Service Commission (BPSSC). After several days of dharna in Gardanibagh, the candidates took out a march from Gandhi Maidan and moved towards JP Golambar. Here the police blocked the way by barricading. After this the protesters tried to cross the barricading, which created a tense situation at the spot. 

Why did tension increase on JP Golambar?

The candidates who came out of Gandhi Maidan carrying tricolor and banners continuously reached JP Golambar shouting slogans. The police had already barricaded the area. Officials appealed to the protesters to step back and not break the barricades. Despite this, some candidates tried to move forward. This increased the tension between the police and the protesters. 

Why are the candidates adamant on their demand to meet the CM?

At the protest site, the officials asked the candidates to prepare a delegation of five members. The officials assured that the delegation will be given an opportunity to present their demands before the concerned officer. However, the protesters remained adamant on their demand for a direct meeting with the Chief Minister. He said that he was not going to leave the spot until he met the Chief Minister.

Why was RAF also deployed?

In view of the demonstration, security arrangements were increased in Patna. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed along with Bihar Police in JP Golambar and surrounding areas. An additional police force was deployed on major roads and intersections. Even before this, during the protests in Patna regarding the recruitment examinations in September, a situation of confrontation and detention between the police and the candidates had come to light. 

What is the whole controversy?

BPSSC had conducted the main examination on May 27 for recruitment to 1,799 sub-inspector posts. The preliminary examination was held on 18 and 21 January. The candidates who were successful in the main examination were now waiting for the physical examination and further selection process. Meanwhile, the Commission announced the decision to cancel the main examination on 23 September. The commission cited 'unavoidable reasons' for canceling the exam, but detailed reasons and the date of the new exam were not immediately clarified. 

How many candidates were affected?

The cancellation of the examination for 10,789 candidates who were successful in the main examination has created uncertainty over the further selection process. Candidates say that they had started preparing for the physical examination after the written examination, but due to the cancellation of the examination, the entire recruitment process again became long. For this reason, the candidates are demanding withdrawal of the decision to cancel the examination and clarification of the recruitment process.

Which route did the march take on Monday?

The candidates started the march from Gandhi Maidan. The proposed route included moving towards the Chief Minister's residence via JP Golambar, Dak Bungalow, Planetarium, Income Tax Golambar and Bihar Museum. The police had already tightened security at many places. During a similar protest in September, candidates had marched from Gandhi Maidan towards JP Golambar and were stopped by the police from moving forward. 

What is the main demand of the candidates?

The main demand of the protesters is to clarify the situation on the canceled main examination for the recruitment of 1,799 posts and to start the further selection process soon. Apart from this, there has also been a demand for a fixed calendar for recruitment examinations and transparency in the examination process. In the protests held in September, candidates had also raised issues related to other recruitment examinations.