Chaos erupted at Patliputra railway station on Sunday as candidates for the Bihar police recruitment exam blocked trains and pelted stones, protesting what they termed 'inadequate arrangements' at the venue. The incident led to significant disruption of train services, prompting a heavy deployment of police forces to bring the situation under control.
Protest Over Exam Arrangements
According to eyewitnesses, hundreds of candidates who had gathered for the police constable examination grew agitated over the lack of proper facilities, including insufficient seating, drinking water, and sanitation. The protest began in the morning when candidates refused to board trains and instead squatted on the tracks, demanding immediate action from authorities.
Stone Pelting and Vandalism
The situation escalated when some candidates started pelting stones at railway property and nearby structures. Several windows of trains were damaged, and a few railway officials sustained minor injuries. The police resorted to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd, but the protest continued for several hours.
Police Response
Senior police officials, including the Superintendent of Police, reached the spot and held talks with the protesters. Additional forces from nearby districts were called in to maintain law and order. The police assured the candidates that their grievances would be looked into, and arrangements would be improved for future exams.
Impact on Train Services
The blockade caused delays and cancellations of several trains on the Patna-Danapur route. Many passengers were stranded at the station, expressing frustration over the inconvenience. Railway authorities worked to clear the tracks and restore normal services by evening.
Official Statement
Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) condemned the violence and stated that strict action would be taken against those involved in vandalism. He also announced a high-level inquiry into the incident to fix responsibility for the inadequate arrangements. Meanwhile, the exam was postponed for candidates from the affected zone, and a new date will be announced soon.
The incident highlights the challenges in conducting large-scale recruitment exams in the state, with candidates often complaining of poor infrastructure and mismanagement. Authorities have been urged to ensure better planning and coordination in future.
