Patna unrest over alleged inadequate arrangements led to stone-pelting and police firing in air; exam proceeds at 500 centres

A recruitment examination for Bihar police constables was marred by violent scenes at Patliputra Junction late Saturday night after hundreds of candidates staged a protest alleging inadequate transport arrangements, officials said. At least six people have been arrested and railway and police personnel suffered injuries as trains were briefly blocked and an exam-special rake was damaged.

Protest erupts at night

According to railway and district officials, the disturbance began around midnight when a group of aspirants — estimates range from 200 to 300 — moved onto the tracks and prevented Madhubani and Seemanchal Express services from departing. Initial reports indicate the demonstrators repeatedly pulled emergency chains and demanded additional special trains despite authorities saying two special services had been arranged earlier.

“Repeated appeals were made to the crowd to vacate tracks and allow trains to run,” Patna District Magistrate Dr. Tyagrajan said. After the protesters refused to disperse, local police used mild force; officials said tear gas shells were fired and police discharged rounds in the air to control the situation.

Damage and injuries

Railway Inspector General Amresh Kumar said stones were hurled at police and trains, and glass panes of the exam-special train were smashed. Railway IG Jitendra Rana sustained a neck injury during stone pelting, officials confirmed. Five other police personnel were treated for injuries, the IG added.

Eyewitness Sanjay Kumar Sharma, who owns a shop opposite the platform, told reporters early Sunday morning that his premises were vandalised during the unrest. “Large stones were thrown inside the shop. I narrowly escaped,” he said. Photographs from the scene showed shattered glass and stones scattered across the platform.

Arrests and FIRs

Police have arrested six candidates in connection with the violence, Railway IG Amresh Kumar said. An FIR has been filed naming around 500 unidentified persons allegedly involved in stone pelting and obstruction of railway operations. Sources familiar with the matter said officers are reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements to identify more suspects.

“Those found responsible will be prosecuted. We have to ensure safety of commuters and examinees,” a senior railway official said on condition of anonymity.

Exam continues at scale

Despite the disruption at Patliputra, authorities said the recruitment test is underway across Bihar. The written examination is being conducted at roughly 500 centres with more than 16 lakh candidates vying for 4,128 vacancies — including 2,417 constable, 1,603 excise constable and 108 mobile squad constable posts. The test runs through 17 June in two shifts daily.

Entry at Patna centres began at 8 am Sunday, with strict security checks reported at several venues. At some centres candidates were required to remove shoes and were not allowed to carry mobile phones or pens; invigilators are providing writing instruments and separate question papers and OMR sheets for each shift, officials said.

Ground-level grievances

Several examinees and local residents described logistical problems and long travel distances to allotted centres. Manish Kumar, who travelled from Sultanpurganj in Bhagalpur, described the exam venue in Chitkohra as poorly managed and said there was no secure place to leave belongings; informal carriers were reportedly charging up to ₹300 for safekeeping.

Railway IG Amresh Kumar said a special train reached the station at about 2:10 am after talks with senior officials, but by then tensions had escalated. Officials also said the state DGP advised counselling and assurances that candidates who missed the test could be accommodated later; protesters did not accept the proposal, the IG said.

Public impact and next steps

Train services at Patliputra were restored by early Sunday morning and officials said the situation is under control. Authorities have appealed for calm and urged candidates to cooperate with invigilation teams. Investigations into the violence are ongoing, and more arrests are likely as footage is analysed.

Rail and district administrations said they will review arrangements for candidate transport and on-site logistics ahead of remaining exam days to prevent repeat disruptions. Local residents and shopkeepers affected by the violence have demanded prompt action and compensation for damages.