Patna (Bihar) [India], January 6: Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh addressed the recent detention of Jan Suraaj Party leader Prashant Kishor and 42 others, stating that they were arrested for illegally protesting in front of the Gandhi statue in the restricted area of Gandhi Maidan.
Singh confirmed that an FIR was lodged at Gandhi Maidan police station for the unlawful protest in a restricted zone. Despite repeated warnings and sufficient time being given to vacate the area, the protestors refused to leave. “Today, 43 individuals, including Prashant Kishor, were detained, and 15 vehicles were seized. Upon identification, it was found that 30 of the 43 individuals were not students, with some falsely claiming to be students. We are verifying these claims, and strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to protest again,” Singh stated.
Kishor, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike since January 2, was protesting against the alleged Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam paper leak. The Patna Police also evacuated the area where Kishor was fasting and conducted checks on vehicles leaving Gandhi Maidan.
In response, the Jan Suraaj Party accused the police of using excessive force against its supporters and protesting students. “The police attempted to break Prashant Kishor’s fast by transporting him from Gandhi Maidan to AIIMS. After failing to do so, they tried to move him to another location. The police brutally lathicharged the crowd gathered outside AIIMS to see Kishor,” the party posted on social media.
The party further claimed, “The Patna police are so intimidated that they have not even brought Prashant Kishor back to Patna. He has been kept at a community health center in Fatuha for hours.”
Kishor, who launched his fast in support of students demanding the cancellation of the BPSC exam, was later transported by ambulance by the police. Prior to his detention, Kishor had announced plans to file a petition in the High Court regarding BPSC irregularities on January 7.