Tension gripped the Patliputra railway station area in Patna in the early hours of Sunday, 14 June, after aspirants of the Bihar Police Prohibition Department recruitment examination staged an agitation over alleged inadequate train arrangements, resorting to stone pelting and vandalism that temporarily halted train services. Order has since been restored following intervention by railway and district authorities.

How the Protest Unfolded

The demonstration began around midnight, when an estimated 200–250 candidates gathered at Patliputra station and blocked train movement by jumping onto the tracks and raising slogans. The agitation escalated rapidly, with protesters reportedly pelting stones at officials and damaging property. A few officials sustained minor injuries during the stone pelting, according to authorities.

Police, along with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and district police, deployed in strength to manage the crowd. Authorities used tear gas, fired warning shots, and conducted a baton charge to disperse the protesters, according to sources.

What Officials Said

Patna District Magistrate Dr Thiyagarajan S.M. told reporters: 'Late at night, we received information that some people were creating a disturbance at the railway station. We reached the spot and dispersed the crowd using minimal force. The situation is now completely peaceful and under control.'

He added that while protesters had raised grievances over train arrangements, two special trains had already been stationed at the location. 'Some anti-social elements reportedly mixed in with the protesters and began pelting stones,' the DM said.

Patna Inspector General Jitendra Rana confirmed that some police personnel were struck by stones, though he noted there were no serious injuries. 'To prevent any loss of life or property, the police took necessary action,' Rana said. 'Following the intervention, the crowd was dispersed, and all trains have now resumed operations.'

Background and Context

The protest reflects a recurring pattern of unrest among government job aspirants in Bihar, where examination logistics — including transport arrangements for candidates travelling from distant districts — have repeatedly triggered demonstrations. Recruitment drives by the Bihar Police draw hundreds of thousands of applicants, placing significant strain on railway infrastructure in and around Patna.

Notably, this is not the first time examination-related grievances have spilled onto railway premises in the state. Authorities have faced criticism in the past for insufficient coordination between examination boards and railway authorities ahead of large-scale recruitment tests.

Current Situation

Security has been tightened at Patliputra station following the incident. Train services have fully resumed, and the area has returned to normalcy, officials confirmed. Authorities have not announced any arrests or formal cases registered in connection with the vandalism as of the latest reports.

The incident is likely to prompt a review of transport planning for future Bihar Police recruitment examinations, with officials under pressure to ensure adequate arrangements are in place before the next major recruitment drive.