Wed Jan 01 17:03:14 UTC 2025: **Bihar Police Brutality Prompts Human Rights Complaint Over BPSC Exam Protests**
Patna, Bihar – January 1, 2025 – A Supreme Court advocate has filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) alleging excessive police force against Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam aspirants protesting alleged irregularities in the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024.
Advocate Brajesh Singh’s complaint cites multiple instances of lathi charges and water cannon use against peaceful protesters, including women, during demonstrations in December. He claims that police used excessive force, violating Supreme Court guidelines and fundamental rights to peaceful assembly. The complaint demands an investigation, departmental action against responsible officers, and the filing of an FIR.
The protests, involving hundreds of aspirants, followed allegations of a question paper leak at a major exam center in Patna. While the BPSC announced a re-examination for those who sat at the affected center, the protests continued, escalating on December 28th when police dispersed demonstrators with force.
The protests have drawn criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the government of trying to cover up the alleged leak. The situation remains tense despite interventions from the Bihar governor and chief secretary. Approximately 3.28 lakh candidates appeared for the exam held across the state on December 13th. The NHRC is expected to investigate the allegations of police brutality and demand an action taken report from Bihar’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police.
First Piper 