Mon Jan 06 14:15:11 UTC 2025: ## Patna Police Arrest Prashant Kishor, sparking protests

**PATNA, INDIA** – Prashant Kishor, the political strategist and founder of Jan Suraj, was arrested early Monday morning in Patna, India, for staging an unauthorized protest at Gandhi Maidan. Police arrived before dawn and detained Kishor near the Mahatma Gandhi statue.

Kishor’s supporters reacted angrily to the arrest, and clashes with police ensued. Police transported Kishor to AIIMS Patna, but later moved him to an undisclosed location outside the city. Although initially taken to a community health center in Fatuha for medical examination and then presented before a court, Kishor refused bail offered on the condition that he promise not to repeat the protest, citing his right to protest. He was subsequently sent to Beur Jail in 14-day judicial custody.

Police stated the arrest was justified as Kishor had ignored multiple warnings to cease the unauthorized protest, for which an FIR had been filed. Several of Kishor’s supporters were also arrested. Jan Suraj maintains that Kishor’s hunger strike will continue despite his imprisonment.

The arrest has sparked strong reactions. Supporters accused the police and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of heavy-handed tactics, claiming the protest was peaceful and did not disrupt traffic. They also alleged police brutality against students participating in the demonstration.

The AIMIM state president, Akhtarul Iman, voiced support for Kishor, condemning the arrest as a grave mistake by the government. He criticized the government’s actions as suppressive, especially in light of allegations against the BPSC chairman. In contrast, the JDU national spokesperson, Rajiv Ranjan, defended the arrest, citing a 2015 Patna High Court order prohibiting protests at Gandhi Maidan and asserting that the administration’s actions were justified.

Kishor’s legal team stated the court offered bail under the condition of a ₹25,000 PR bond and a promise to refrain from future unauthorized protests. However, Kishor rejected this conditional bail, asserting his right to protest. His supporters chanted “Jai Bihar” as he left the court premises.

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