Patna: Prashant Kishore, the founder of Jan Suraj, who was on a hunger strike demanding the cancellation of the 70th Combined Entrance Competitive Examination (BPSC 70th) by the Bihar Public Service Commission, was taken into police custody from Gandhi Maidan. He was later produced in court, where he was granted conditional bail, but chose to go to jail instead. However, he was subsequently granted unconditional bail.
Following his release, Kishore addressed the media, stating, "This movement started from Gandhi Maidan and will end here." He spoke about his arrest and the court proceedings, saying, "No force stands in front of the people's force." Kishore described his time in custody, mentioning how he was taken to Beur Jail, but was not provided any papers. The issue was raised in court, leading to his unconditional bail.
Earlier, Prashant Kishor was granted bail by the Patna Civil Court on a personal bond of Rs 25,000. However, he refused to take conditional bail and was subsequently sent to judicial custody for 14 days. Despite being sent to jail, Prashant Kishor has vowed to continue his hunger strike, expressing that he will not back down from his commitment to fight against the injustice being done to the youth.
It may be recalled that Prashant Kishor, founder of Jan Suraj, has been on a hunger strike since Thursday, demanding the cancellation of the Integrated 70th Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Test conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13.
In a statement, Prashant Kishor said, "If raising a voice against the injustice being done to the youth is a crime, then I am ready to go to jail." He reiterated his determination, telling his supporters, "My hunger strike will continue even while I am in jail. I will not back down from my commitments. The movement will continue until justice is served."
Prashant Kishor had been on a hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan for several days and was detained by the district administration early Monday morning. Along with him, 43 other individuals were detained, and about 15 four-wheelers were seized, according to District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh.
What PK’s lawyer said: Prashant Kishor’s advocate YV Giri stated that while the decision to send Kishor to jail had been made, the court order specifying the duration of his judicial custody had not yet been issued. The advocate confirmed that the order would likely be received in the next one or two days and it would be challenged in the High Court. Judicial custody is generally set for 14 days, but the exact duration for which Prashant Kishor will be kept in judicial custody is still unclear. More updates will be provided as soon as the official court order is received, according to YV Giri.
Earlier, Prashant Kishor was forcibly detained by Patna Police from Gandhi Maidan early on Monday morning. Kishor had been on an indefinite hunger strike since January 2, demanding the cancellation of the 70th Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) following allegations of a paper leak.
The police arrived at Gandhi Maidan around 4 am, with personnel from 10 police stations. Kishor, who was protesting alongside BPSC candidates, was taken away in an ambulance despite the resistance from his supporters.
"Nitish Kumar's police forcibly detained Prashant Kishor, who was on a hunger strike against the ruined education system and corrupt examinations for the last five days, at 4 am. Thousands of youths sitting with him were taken to an unknown place," the Jan Suraaj Party said in a statement on its official X handle.
A video showing police manhandling him during the scuffle has also surfaced. One protestor said, "Prashant Kishor was raising his voice for students, and this is how they treat him. This is unacceptable."
Patna District Magistrate (DM) Chandrashekhar Singh said, "Yes, Kishor and his supporters sitting on dharna at Gandhi Maidan, were arrested by the police on Monday morning. Their dharna was "illegal", he said, adding they were holding the sit-in near the restricted site, he added.
The Patna Police had registered a case against Kishor for holding the fast unto death at Gandhi Maidan, a restricted site near Mahatma Gandhi statute, another official said.
According to sources, Kishor was taken to AIIMS Patna but refused medical treatment. "I will not break my fast until the Bihar government agrees to cancel the BPSC examination," Kishor asserted.
The Jan Suraaj Party condemned the police's action, calling it a sign of the government's 'cowardice'. Thousands of students protesting alongside Kishor were also dispersed and taken to undisclosed locations. The BPSC examination, held on December 13, has faced widespread criticism over allegations of malpractice, including a paper leak.
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