On December 13, 2024, Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh was filmed slapping a Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirant during protests over alleged exam irregularities, including claims of a question paper leak. The incident occurred outside the BAPU Exam Centre in Patna, where around 400 candidates protested, alleging mismanagement in the distribution of exam materials.
Following the incident, a complaint was filed with the National Human Rights Commission against Singh. BPSC officials have denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the examination was conducted fairly across all centres.
Incident Details
The confrontation unfolded as students gathered to express their grievances regarding the BPSC’s 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination. Many candidates reported receiving their question papers late or not at all, leading to heightened tensions outside the examination centre. Video footage shows Singh slapping a protestor, causing his spectacles to fall off. Singh later justified his actions by stating that he was attempting to clear the road for emergency medical situations, as a female candidate had fainted and another individual required urgent medical attention. He claimed there was no intention to hurt anyone during the incident.
Official Responses and Developments
In light of the incident, a formal complaint has been lodged against Singh with the National Human Rights Commission by a local resident. The complaint highlights concerns over the use of force against peaceful protestors. Meanwhile, BPSC officials have dismissed allegations of a paper leak, asserting that no complaints were received from any of the other examination centres across Bihar. They emphasized that some students had disrupted the examination process by snatching question papers from invigilators. The situation escalated further when an additional examination superintendent reportedly suffered a heart attack during the chaos and later died.
Background of Protests
The protests stem from ongoing dissatisfaction among BPSC aspirants regarding the commission’s normalisation policy and alleged exam irregularities. Student leaders have condemned authorities’ actions as attempts to suppress dissent and continue to advocate for student rights. Many students have expressed frustration over perceived inconsistencies in exam administration, claiming that mismanagement has compromised their chances of success.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident underscores a critical need for dialogue between authorities and students regarding examination integrity and management. The use of force against protestors is concerning and raises questions about how grievances are addressed within educational systems. It is essential for officials to engage constructively with students to ensure their voices are heard and respected.
How can we promote an environment where students feel safe to express their concerns without fear of retribution? We encourage our readers to reflect on this issue and share their thoughts on fostering better communication between students and educational authorities.
VIDEO | Patna DM Dr Chandrashekhar Singh slaps a #BPSC aspirant protesting outside an examination centre in the city.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2024
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/dDE0l8BX8t
