Mon Jan 06 19:51:40 IST 2025: ## Activist Prashant Kishor Briefly Jailed After Rejecting Bail in Bihar Exam Protest

**Patna, Bihar** – Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor was briefly jailed today after rejecting bail following his arrest during a hunger strike protest. Kishor, founder of Jan Suraaj, has been on a five-day fast demanding the cancellation of a Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam following allegations of a question paper leak.

Police detained Kishor and 43 supporters early this morning from Gandhi Maidan, the site of his protest, citing its location in a restricted area and ignoring prior requests to move to a designated protest zone. While Kishor reported minor clashes between supporters and police, he denied allegations of police brutality against himself and his supporters. He did confirm that police took him to Patna AIIMS for a medical check-up but were refused admission.

After being granted bail by a Patna court, Kishor refused to sign the bond, stating it included conditions restricting his actions. He was subsequently taken to Fatuha’s community centre where authorities attempted, unsuccessfully, to secure a medical certificate. He was released later today after a civil court granted him bail.

The police maintained that the protest was illegal and that repeated warnings were issued to relocate. Reports of police mistreatment during the arrest were denied by authorities. Kishor himself refuted claims he was slapped, attributing a physical altercation to a police attempt to separate an aide holding his hand.

The BPSC conducted a retest on January 4 for affected candidates, with a significantly lower turnout than expected. The controversy has reached the Supreme Court, where petitioners are demanding the cancellation of the December 13 exam and action against those allegedly using excessive force.

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