A firing and vandalism attack targeted Khan Sir's Global Studies coaching centre in Patna, Bihar, injuring a security guard on Wednesday.
The incident highlights escalating tensions within the competitive private education sector in India, where high-profile coaching centres wield significant social and political influence.
Attackers targeted the facility with gunfire and rock-throwing, causing damage to the property. One security guard was seriously injured and taken to emergency care [1]. Local authorities responded to the scene, and police camped at the location until approximately 2 a.m. [2]. Due to the security breach and subsequent closure of the centre, several thousand students were sent back home [2].
Khan Sir said the attack was part of a conspiracy by a rival coaching centre. He said the goal of the perpetrators was to disrupt education provided to poor children, a core mission of his Global Studies institute.
Patna police have launched an investigation into the events. Investigators are currently probing the claims regarding a nearby institute's involvement after Khan Sir cited threats of a "blow-up" from a competing center [3].
Security remained tight in the area throughout the early morning hours as officials collected evidence from the site. The police continue to examine the sequence of events that led to the nighttime violence.
“One security guard was seriously injured and taken to emergency care”
This incident underscores the volatility of the 'coaching hub' culture in cities like Patna, where the business of competitive exam preparation can lead to intense rivalry. The targeting of a facility known for providing affordable education to marginalized students may further polarize the local educational landscape and increase security demands for private institutes.
