Bihar police deployed water cannons on Tuesday to disperse student protesters in Patna who were demonstrating against the cancellation of a civil service exam [1, 4].
The clash highlights growing tension between student organizations and state authorities over the stability and transparency of the Bihar Public Service Commission's examination processes.
Protesters, including activists from the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), gathered in the capital to voice opposition to the cancellation of the 70th BPSC exam [1, 2]. The groups presented a five-point charter of demands to the government [2].
Police responded to the gathering by using water cannons to push back the crowds [4]. During the operation, authorities detained Rajesh Ram and several other NSUI leaders [3].
The students have demanded immediate action regarding the exam cancellation to ensure that candidates are not unfairly penalized by administrative shifts. The protests remained focused on the specific grievances outlined in their charter [2].
Similar unrest has been noted in neighboring regions, where protesters have echoed the actions seen in Bihar as police responded with similar force [5].
“Police deployed water cannons and detained activists”
The cancellation of high-stakes civil service exams often triggers widespread unrest in India due to the intense competition and the significant time and financial investment students commit to preparation. The use of force in Patna suggests a hardening of the state's approach to student activism, while the five-point charter indicates that the protesters are seeking systemic reforms rather than just a rescheduled test date.
