Wed Dec 25 13:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Patna Police Clash with BPSC Exam Protesters

**PATNA, Bihar (December 26, 2024)** – Hundreds of students protesting the cancellation of a Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam clashed with police in Patna late Wednesday. Police used batons to disperse the crowd after protesters attempted to occupy BPSC offices.

The protest stems from the cancellation of the 70th BPSC Combined Competitive Examination (Prelims) held on December 13th at the Bapu Pariksha Parisar in Patna. The exam was called off following allegations of mismanagement and irregularities, including footage showing candidates tearing up and stealing question papers. While the exam proceeded smoothly at over 900 centers across Bihar, the chaos at the Patna center led to the cancellation. A rescheduled exam is set for January 4th.

Videos circulating on social media show a large group of students, many chanting slogans and holding placards, pushing past police before being met with a lathi-charge. Several protesters reported injuries. One student told news agency ANI that they intended to peacefully present their demands but were met with force. Protests have been ongoing for eight days.

The incident has drawn strong criticism from opposition parties. Lok Sabha MP Pappu Yadav accused the ruling JDU-BJP alliance of treating students like “terrorists” and vowed to continue protests. The police’s use of force and the handling of the exam irregularities remain points of contention. The BPSC maintains that the rescheduled exam is in the best interest of the affected students.

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