January 6, 2025: Renowned political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor was sent to jail today following his arrest during a hunger strike at Patna's Gandhi Maidan. Kishor, who has been on a fast-unto-death for five days, refused to sign a bail bond after being detained by the police. His protest is aimed at demanding the cancellation of a recent Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination, which has been marred by allegations of a question paper leak.
The protest was declared illegal by authorities as it was held in a restricted area. Patna District Magistrate stated that repeated notices were issued, urging Kishor and his supporters to move their demonstration to Gardani Bagh, the city's designated protest site. Despite the warnings, Kishor continued his protest, leading to the detention of 43 supporters and the seizure of vehicles, including tractors, during the police operation.
While police officials denied allegations of manhandling Kishor, his supporters claimed he was mistreated during the arrest. Kishor was taken to Patna AIIMS for a medical check-up, which he initially resisted, further escalating tensions surrounding his detention.
The controversy stems from the December 13 BPSC examination, which has faced public outcry over claims of a question paper leak. The commission held a retest for select candidates on January 4, but only 5,943 out of 12,012 eligible candidates appeared for the examination, reflecting widespread distrust.
The matter has also reached the Supreme Court, where petitioners are seeking the cancellation of the December 13 exam and legal action against officials accused of using excessive force on protestors.
Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj movement, has been vocal about the need for transparency and accountability in public governance. His arrest and subsequent hunger strike have garnered widespread attention, putting pressure on the state administration to address the grievances of aggrieved candidates and citizens.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Prashant Kishor Sent to Jail After Refusing to Sign Bail Bond Amid Protest
January 6, 2025: Renowned political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor was sent to jail today following his arrest during a hunger strike at Patna's Gandhi Maidan. Kishor, who has been on a fast-unto-death for five days, refused to sign a bail bond after being detained by the police. His protest is aimed at demanding the cancellation of a recent Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination, which has been marred by allegations of a question paper leak.
The protest was declared illegal by authorities as it was held in a restricted area. Patna District Magistrate stated that repeated notices were issued, urging Kishor and his supporters to move their demonstration to Gardani Bagh, the city's designated protest site. Despite the warnings, Kishor continued his protest, leading to the detention of 43 supporters and the seizure of vehicles, including tractors, during the police operation.
While police officials denied allegations of manhandling Kishor, his supporters claimed he was mistreated during the arrest. Kishor was taken to Patna AIIMS for a medical check-up, which he initially resisted, further escalating tensions surrounding his detention.
The controversy stems from the December 13 BPSC examination, which has faced public outcry over claims of a question paper leak. The commission held a retest for select candidates on January 4, but only 5,943 out of 12,012 eligible candidates appeared for the examination, reflecting widespread distrust.
The matter has also reached the Supreme Court, where petitioners are seeking the cancellation of the December 13 exam and legal action against officials accused of using excessive force on protestors.
Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj movement, has been vocal about the need for transparency and accountability in public governance. His arrest and subsequent hunger strike have garnered widespread attention, putting pressure on the state administration to address the grievances of aggrieved candidates and citizens.