A protest by candidates demanding changes in the Bihar Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE-4) escalated in Patna on Tuesday as students attempting to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence were stopped by security forces, leading to clashes, stone-pelting and police action.
The protesting candidates are demanding changes in the proposed TRE-4 examination process, including removal of negative marking, a single-stage examination and 100% domicile-based recruitment. Students have been staging a sit-in at Gardanibagh and on Tuesday a group attempted to march towards the CM’s residence.
The situation turned tense at Dak Bungalow Chowk, where police and CRPF personnel were deployed to prevent the protesters from moving further. According to the information provided, police used water cannons and later resorted to lathi-charge as the crowd attempted to cross the barricades.
Students Break Barricades
The marchers were initially stopped near JP Golambar, where heavy police deployment and barricading had been arranged. The protesters reportedly broke through the barricades and moved towards Dak Bungalow.
Security personnel, including CRPF troops equipped with protective gear, were deployed in the area. At Dak Bungalow Chowk, iron shields were used to stop the protesters from advancing towards the Chief Minister’s residence.
The confrontation intensified when some protesters allegedly resorted to stone-pelting. Patna Town DSP Kamakhya Narayan Singh was injured during the incident, while several other police personnel were also reported to have sustained injuries.
Water Cannon, Lathi-Charge
Police used water cannons to disperse the protesters gathered at the busy intersection. Visuals from the protest showed students remaining on the road despite the water being sprayed at them.
One student was reportedly injured in the head during the confrontation and was taken away by fellow protesters for medical attention. A female student was also reported to have fainted during the unrest.
After the water cannon action, police moved to clear the road and detained several protesters. Videos from the spot showed security personnel chasing and removing students from the area.
Students’ Key Demands
The protesters have been seeking changes in the TRE-4 recruitment examination. Their main demands include removal of negative marking, conducting the examination in a single stage and implementing 100% domicile-based recruitment.
Students have also referred to the earlier TRE-1, TRE-2 and TRE-3 recruitment examinations while arguing that the TRE-4 process should follow a similar pattern.
The protesters said they had been sitting on the agitation for several days and wanted the government to address their concerns directly. One protesting candidate claimed that students had been staying at the protest site without adequate facilities.
Government Says Issues Resolved
Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari said the issues raised by the protesting students had already been addressed by the government.
He said the administration had worked on the concerns raised by the candidates and questioned the basis of some of the demands being made regarding the examination process.
The protest comes amid growing tension between the government and groups of candidates over recruitment examinations and selection procedures.
BPSC Remark Adds To Tension
The agitation was also fuelled by controversy over a remark attributed to BPSC examination controller Rajesh Kumar Singh during a press conference on Monday. Singh had used a Hindi proverb while referring to the students’ protest, which triggered criticism from candidates.
Following the controversy, the examination controller reportedly issued an apology. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also directed that action be taken against the official, including suspension, according to the information provided.
The episode has added another layer to the ongoing dispute between the protesting candidates and authorities.
Traffic Hit In Central Patna
The protest and security arrangements affected traffic movement in several parts of central Patna. Roads around Dak Bungalow, Income Tax, High Court and Veerchand Patel Path witnessed disruptions as barricades were installed and large numbers of security personnel were deployed.
Police later said the protesters at Dak Bungalow were removed from the area and that traffic movement would gradually return to normal.
The administration's response and the students' demands are likely to remain a key issue as candidates continue to seek changes in the TRE-4 examination process.
