Prashant Kishor Gets Bail After Arrest During Hunger Strike

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Prashant Kishor was arrested by Patna Police while on hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan.
2. He was demanding the cancellation of the BPSC exam, which faced allegations of a question paper leak.
3. Kishor was granted bail by the Patna Civil Court on a personal bond of ₹25,000.
4. Reports indicate that he may not accept the bail’s conditions, risking jail if he refuses.
5. Bihar police filed an FIR against Kishor for holding an illegal protest at Gandhi Maidan.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Prashant Kishor’s Arrest

Prashant Kishor, the founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, was arrested by the Patna Police on January 5, 2025, while he was on a hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan, Patna. His protest was aimed at the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam conducted in December, amid serious allegations of a question paper leak. Kishor, a strategist-turned-politician, has been actively campaigning on various social issues, and this protest against the BPSC exam was an extension of his drive for transparency and accountability in public exams.

Police Action and Legal Issues

The police’s forced removal of Kishor from the protest site, followed by his arrest, has led to considerable political discourse. According to Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh, the protest was illegal since the Bihar High Court had ordered that no protests could take place in areas other than the designated venue at Gardani Bagh. Despite fierce opposition from Kishor’s supporters, who chanted “Vande Mataram,” police carried out the arrests under legal directives.

Conditional Bail for Kishor

Prashant Kishor was later granted bail by the Patna Civil Court under the condition of a personal bond of ₹25,000. However, there are conflicting reports suggesting that Kishor may not comply with the conditions of his release. If he rejects the court’s orders, there remains the possibility of imprisonment.

Allegations of Exam Malpractice

The BPSC exam held on December 13 has been the subject of controversy due to claims of a question paper leak. As a result, the commission ordered a retest for a select group of candidates. The retest, which was peacefully conducted in Patna on January 4, saw approximately 5,943 candidates appear out of 8,111 who downloaded their admit cards. The BPSC has claimed that no irregularities were reported during the retest.

Political and Administrative Reactions

The political environment surrounding Kishor’s arrest has grown tense. JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar criticized Kishor for defying the legal order by conducting an unauthorized protest in Gandhi Maidan. Kishor, however, remains undeterred, claiming that his struggle for justice and fairness in the examination system will continue.

Conclusion

Prashant Kishor’s arrest highlights ongoing issues surrounding political activism and the legal framework for protests in Bihar. While Kishor remains committed to challenging the integrity of the BPSC exam, his next steps will likely determine whether the political momentum generated by this protest translates into meaningful change in Bihar’s examination systems.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

Prashant Kishor’s hunger strike against the BPSC exam results has made headlines, sparking a legal and political debate in Bihar. His arrest and subsequent bail have drawn significant attention to the need for reforms in the examination process. Despite political opposition, Kishor remains resolute in his fight for the cancellation of the exam, and his next moves could influence future protests and legal actions.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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