Insaaf Times Desk

Patna witnessed massive protests on Monday as candidates demanding the long-pending recruitment of sub-inspectors (darogas) marched towards the Chief Minister’s residence. The police intercepted them at the Dak Bungalow Chowk, where demonstrators tried to break through the barricades. In response, police resorted to water cannons and baton charge.

Several candidates, including women, sustained injuries in the lathicharge. Protesters alleged that male police personnel also used force against female aspirants.

The candidates pointed out that the recruitment process for 1,817 sub-inspector posts, announced two years ago, has yet to begin. They demanded that the process be initiated before the upcoming Assembly elections. Their demands also included the release of an annual exam calendar, provision of answer keys, cut-off marks, and carbon copies of answer sheets.

The agitation received support from teachers’ associations, with union leaders urging the government to expedite the recruitment.

Patna SSP Kartikey Sharma said the aspirants were assured that they would be allowed to present their demands to the appropriate officials. He also warned that action would be taken against those entering restricted zones.

To control the situation, the administration deployed additional police forces. Meanwhile, the candidates have warned of intensifying their agitation if their demands are not met soon.