Prashant Kishor granted bail after arrest.
Prashant Kishor, a prominent leader of the Jan Suraaj Party, was sitting on an indefinite hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan, demanding the cancellation of the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) prelims exam. The strike, aimed at highlighting alleged irregularities and fairness concerns in the examination process, attracted significant public attention. Kishor emphasized that the integrity of the exam must be upheld to ensure justice for aspiring candidates. His protest underscored the need for accountability in the state’s recruitment system.
Patna Civil Court Grants Bail to Prashant Kishor Following Arrest During Hunger Strike
Patna: The Patna Civil Court on Monday, January 6, 2025, granted bail to Jan Suraaj Party leader Prashant Kishor, who had been arrested earlier in the day while sitting on an indefinite hunger strike. Kishor had been protesting at Gandhi Maidan, demanding the cancellation of the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) over allegations of a paper leak.
The court granted bail to Kishor on a personal bond of ₹25,000. His arrest, which came amidst mounting political tensions and public outcry, has brought fresh attention to allegations of irregularities in the BPSC examination process.
Allegations of Paper Leak and Protest
Prashant Kishor’s hunger strike was intended to highlight concerns over the integrity of the BPSC examination, which has faced accusations of a paper leak. Kishor argued that such alleged malpractices undermined the credibility of the examination and jeopardized the future of thousands of aspirants. He called for immediate cancellation of the prelims and a thorough investigation into the matter.
The protest gained traction among students and civil society groups, many of whom echoed Kishor’s demand for transparency and fairness in the recruitment process. However, Kishor’s sit-in at Gandhi Maidan was deemed unlawful by authorities, as it was held in a prohibited zone.
Arrest and Police Action
Earlier in the day, police officials had warned Prashant Kishor to vacate the area, citing restrictions on public gatherings at Gandhi Maidan. Kishor, however, refused to comply, maintaining that his protest was a peaceful demonstration against systemic injustices.
As a result, he was arrested by local law enforcement and taken into custody. The arrest sparked widespread criticism from his supporters, who accused the authorities of suppressing dissent.
Bail Granted on Personal Bond
Following his arrest, Kishor was produced before the Patna Civil Court, which granted him bail on a personal bond of ₹25,000. The court’s decision has been welcomed by his party and supporters, who view it as a vindication of his right to protest.
Broader Implications
The controversy surrounding the 70th BPSC exam has put the state government under significant pressure, with calls for accountability growing louder. Many have questioned the administration’s handling of the allegations and its response to protests like Kishor’s.
The Jan Suraaj Party leader has vowed to continue his fight for justice for aspirants, stating that the issue goes beyond political affiliations and touches on the fundamental principles of fairness and transparency.
Conclusion
The arrest and subsequent release of Prashant Kishor have reignited the debate over public accountability in Bihar’s recruitment processes. As the allegations of the BPSC paper leak continue to unfold, Kishor’s protest underscores the growing demand for systemic reforms and greater transparency in the state’s examination system.