Outsiders fuelling agitation, govt working on TRE-4: Minister

Patna: Job aspirants demanding the release of BPSC TRE-4 vacancies staged protests in Patna on Wednesday. Police detained student leader Rinkal Yadav, who had contested the Patna University students’ union presidential election with Tej Pratap Yadav’s support. Student leader Khushboo Pathak was also taken into custody earlier.

Heavy police deployment was seen around Patna College, with gates shut to prevent gatherings. Students attempting to join the protest were picked up and taken to nearby police stations. A water cannon vehicle was also brought in. An aspirant protesting with chains around his hands was removed by police. Women protesters were allegedly dragged by female personnel during the crackdown.

Amid the unrest, education minister Mithilesh Tiwari said the govt was working on TRE-4. “Students are being instigated. There are some outsiders in this protest,” he said.

Tiwari added that the govt was serious about conducting TRE-4 and that the schedule would be released soon. “On the chief minister’s instructions, the education department is preparing, and talks with BPSC are ongoing,” he said. He urged aspirants to end the agitation and focus on exam preparation. “There’s no benefit in protesting for something that is going to happen. The exam will be held in the coming days,” he added.

During a meeting late Tuesday, the administration warned coaching teachers to help maintain law and order. Officials said any teacher found involved in instigating student violence would face action.

After the meeting, teacher Guru Rahman said, “Maintaining law and order is everyone’s responsibility. Teachers will not do anything to vitiate the atmosphere.”

He added that former education minister Sunil Kumar and the BPSC examination controller had earlier assured that a notification would be issued soon, but no official update has come yet, fuelling anger among aspirants.

On May 8, TRE-4 aspirants had marched from Patna College to JP Golambar. Candidates alleged they were chased and beaten by police on the streets, with several sustaining head injuries. There were also allegations of misbehaviour with female aspirants.

“We are future teachers, but police are treating us like goons,” protesting candidates said. Slippers were seen scattered on the road after the lathicharge, while some students continued protesting in blood-stained clothes.