Stone-pelting and vandalism disrupt Patliputra station

Violence erupted at Patliputra Railway Station in Patna late Saturday night and into early Sunday, as thousands of candidates for a state recruitment exam protested alleged inadequate train arrangements, leading to stone-pelting, vandalism, and a major disruption of rail services. Police deployed significant forces and used tear gas, baton charges, and warning shots fired into the air to disperse the crowd and restore order, officials said.

The incident began around 11:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, as a large number of students gathered at the station to travel to centers for the Bihar Police Prohibition Constable examination, which is being held from June 14 to 17. Officials stated that special trains had been arranged, but many candidates reported severe overcrowding and delays, leaving them unable to board. Frustration escalated as some protesters sat on railway tracks, blocked trains, and pulled emergency chains repeatedly, halting all movement.

According to Patna District Magistrate S. M. Thiyagarajan, authorities received information of the disturbance around midnight and repeatedly appealed to the crowd to cooperate. He stated that while two special trains were already at...