BPSC Protest / Patna police took Prashant Kishor into custody and vacated Gandhi Maidan

Prashant Kishor Arrest: Jan Suraj chief Prashant Kishor, who was on an indefinite hunger strike for five days at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, was arrested by Patna Police on the morning of 6 January 2025. This action took place when Prashant Kishor was raising his voice against the collapsed education system and corrupt examination process of the state. The police also cleared the place in Gandhi Maidan, where Prashant Kishor had started his fast.

Allegation of slapping

According to the press release issued by Jan Suraj, the police forcibly picked up Prashant Kishor and took him to AIIMS hospital. The press release also claims that the police misbehaved with Prashant Kishor and also slapped him. The police tried to admit him to the hospital, but Prashant Kishor refused to undergo any kind of treatment and vowed to continue his fast.

#WATCH | Bihar | A clash broke out between Patna Police and supporters of Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor

Prashant Kishor who was sitting on an indefinite hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan, was detained by the police pic.twitter.com/2RwVVtYcYU

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025

Entry to Gandhi Maidan banned

After the arrest of Prashant Kishor, Patna Police has put up tight security at Gandhi Maidan. Entry of any person into the ground has been banned and vehicles are being checked. The administration says that Gandhi Maidan is a restricted area and any kind of protest there is illegal.

Activists were taken to an unknown place

Jan Suraj Party informed on social media platform X that the police took action at night and detained Prashant Kishore and thousands of youths sitting with him were taken to an unknown place. The social media post read, "Look at the cowardice of Nitish Kumar, his police forcibly detained Prashant Kishore, who was on a fast unto death against the ruined education and corrupt examination for the last 5 days, at 4 o'clock in the night. Thousands of youths sitting with him were taken to an unknown place."

Preparation for court appearance

The district administration said that an FIR was registered against Jan Suraj chief Prashant Kishore and his supporters at Gandhi Maidan police station. The administration had repeatedly instructed them to protest at the designated place Gardanibagh, but ignoring the instructions, they continued to protest in the restricted area. According to the administration, Prashant Kishore will be produced in court as per the legal process.

Preparation to go to High Court

Before being taken into custody, Prashant Kishore made it clear that he will continue his protest. He said, "For us it is not a matter of decision whether we will continue it or not. Whatever we are doing, it will continue. There will be no change in this." Prashant Kishore said that Jan Suraj Party will file a petition in Patna High Court on January 7, demanding cancellation of BPSC prelims exam. He said, "According to what we had said, we will try to get our demands fulfilled by adopting legal process."

Police and administration's position

The administration says that after arresting Prashant Kishore and his supporters, security forces have been deployed to maintain peace in Gandhi Maidan. The district administration also clarified that all the arrested people are healthy and do not have any kind of health problem.

Effect of Jan Suraj Movement

The Jan Suraj movement started by Prashant Kishore is demanding improvement in the education system of Bihar and transparency in the examination process. His movement has become a topic of discussion among students and youth. People are giving different reactions on social media regarding Prashant Kishor's arrest. Many people are considering it a violation of democratic rights.

It will be important to see what result Prashant Kishor's petition brings in the High Court and what stand the Bihar government takes in this matter. At present, the Jan Suraj chief has expressed his resolve to continue his movement, which makes it clear that there may be turmoil in Bihar politics in the coming days.

#WATCH | BPSC protest | Bihar: Patna Police detains Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor who was sitting on an indefinite hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan pic.twitter.com/cOnoM7EGW1

— ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2025