×

Violent Protests Erupt at Patliputra Railway Station Over Exam Delays

Late Saturday night, students at Patliputra Railway Station protested against train delays that threatened their participation in the Bihar Police recruitment exam. The situation escalated into violence, with students blocking tracks and vandalizing trains. Despite police efforts to restore order, injuries were reported among law enforcement. The District Magistrate addressed the unrest, attributing it partly to anti-social elements. As the situation stabilizes, additional trains have been arranged to ensure students reach their exam centers on time. Read on for a detailed account of the events.
 

Protests Erupt at Patliputra Railway Station

Late Saturday night, chaos unfolded at Patliputra Railway Station as students expressed their frustration over the lack of trains and delays while attempting to attend the Bihar Police Prohibition Department recruitment exam. Their anger quickly escalated into a violent demonstration, with students jumping onto the railway tracks to halt train services, throwing stones, and vandalizing an exam special train. In response, law enforcement deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd.


What Sparked the Unrest?

The recruitment exam was scheduled to occur in two shifts, prompting thousands of students to arrive at the station overnight. Due to insufficient train availability and delays, anxiety grew among students about potentially missing their exams. When the exam special train from Patliputra to Katihar arrived, panic ensued, leading students to lie on the tracks and chant slogans against the railway authorities, effectively halting all train movements.


Train Services Disrupted

The unrest resulted in significant disruptions, with numerous essential trains, including the Rajdhani Express, being halted mid-journey or rerouted altogether.


Injuries and Police Response

Upon learning of the situation, senior officials, including Railway IG Jitendra Rana, Railway SP, RPF, and district police, rushed to the scene. Despite their efforts to calm the students, the protests continued, resulting in injuries to Railway IG Jitendra Rana and several police officers due to stone-throwing. To regain control, police resorted to mild force and used tear gas. Eyewitnesses reported that the Railway IG took charge of the police force while armed.


DM Addresses the Situation

Patna's District Magistrate, Dr. Thiyagarajan, stated that they received reports of disturbances around midnight. The administration had urged students to refrain from causing disruptions and to assist fellow candidates. However, some anti-social elements intentionally escalated the situation, making new demands despite the presence of two special trains. They obstructed students heading to their exams, prompting police intervention. Currently, the situation has returned to normal, with trains resuming service and the railway administration deploying additional special trains to ensure students reach their exam centers on time.


Official Statement

#WATCH | Patna DM Dr. Thiyagarajan says, "Around midnight, we received information that some people were creating a disturbance. We repeatedly requested them not to cause a ruckus and to cooperate with the examinees who wished to take the exam. However, certain anti-social… https://t.co/2ieqtruNFy pic.twitter.com/Ml5R400xfW

— News Media