Prashant Kishor Criticizes Police Violence Against Students and Plans Legal Action

Patna December 30 (NationPress): Political strategist turned Jan Suraj Party chief Prashant Kishor on Monday expressed his fierce disapproval of police brutality against candidates protesting alleged irregularities in the 70th BPSC examination. He also committed to lodge a counter FIR against the police, just hours after being accused of 'inciting' students to engage in violent demonstrations.

Kishor announced his plans to approach both the court and the Human Rights Commission to contest the police's use of lathi charge on the protesting candidates. He criticized the government for filing FIRs against the demonstrators.

“I will pursue legal actions in court and with the Human Rights Commission against the City Superintendent of Police (SP) who authorized the lathi-charge,” Kishor stated.

“I am not intimidated by anyone in a uniform or kurta pajama,” Kishor asserted, highlighting his determination to confront both administrative and political figures.

Kishor led a group of five students in a meeting with Bihar Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena to submit a memorandum containing five demands, including the cancellation of the examination due to allegations of a question paper leak and other irregularities.

Kishor declared that if their demands are not met, he will initiate an indefinite dharna (sit-in protest) in Patna to increase pressure on the government.

Kishor rejected accusations of his involvement in the police's lathi-charge on the students, insisting that the incident took place 45 minutes after he departed from the protest site.

He called for accountability from the officers involved and criticized the FIR lodged against 700 individuals, including himself and students like Aarti Mishra and Anand Mishra, deeming the charges unfounded. He urged for an immediate retraction of the FIRs.

Kishor reiterated his demand for the cancellation of the BPSC examination at all centers, not just at the Bapu Centre, where the question paper was reportedly leaked. He denounced the Nitish government for alleged corruption in the examination process.

The controversy erupted on December 13, when candidates at the Bapu Examination Centre boycotted the BPSC Preliminary Test due to delayed question papers. Videos showcasing mobile phone usage and inadequate security during the test fueled the protests further.

The BPSC decided to annul the examination at the Bapu Centre and reschedule it for December 4, yet students demanded cancellation across all centers due to perceived irregularities.

On Sunday, students faced baton charges and water cannons as they marched towards the Chief Minister’s residence under Kishor’s guidance. Several students suffered injuries in the clashes.

The protest, now entering its 12th day, has garnered support from political leaders, student representatives, and coaching operators.

Neeraj Kumar, MLC and spokesperson of the Janata Dal (United), criticized Kishor for allegedly provoking BPSC candidates and misleading them during their ongoing protests against irregularities in the 70th BPSC examination.

“Kishor summoned students to gather at Gandhi Maidan for the protest march and departed before police action ensued, leaving the students to bear the repercussions. Kishor, along with opposition leaders, is misleading students and attempting to politicize their grievances,” Kumar said.

Kumar branded Kishor a 'teenager in politics,' claiming he lacks experience and is exploiting innocent candidates for his own political purposes.

“FIRs against the candidates could jeopardize their futures. Political figures like Kishor and other opposition leaders are inflaming the situation rather than resolving it. They are essentially taking on the role of destroying their futures,” Kumar declared.