Patna Police Clarify YouTuber Khan Sir’s Status Amidst BPSC Exam Protests: No Arrest Made
Patna, Bihar – Confusion surrounding the alleged arrest of prominent Patna-based educator and YouTuber, Faizal Khan, widely known as "Khan Sir," has been dispelled by the Bihar Police. Authorities confirmed that Khan Sir was neither arrested nor detained on Friday night amidst escalating protests by Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants. The police instead clarified that Khan Sir visited the Gardanibagh Police Station to engage with the protesting students and was later provided transportation back to his vehicle upon his request. A case has been registered against the Khan Global Studies coaching institute’s X (formerly Twitter) account for disseminating what police termed "misleading, baseless and provocative" information regarding Khan Sir’s alleged arrest.
The controversy arose amidst growing tensions surrounding the upcoming 70th BPSC preliminary examination scheduled for December 13, 2024. Thousands of aspirants took to the streets on Friday, demanding the withdrawal of purported changes in the examination rules, specifically the implementation of a "normalization of marks" process. This statistical method is used to equate scores across multiple examination shifts, a practice the protesting students vehemently oppose. They advocate for a “one shift, one paper” format to ensure fair evaluation. BPSC officials, however, have denied any alterations to the established examination procedures.
The protests intensified near the BPSC office in Patna, prompting police intervention, including a mild lathi charge to disperse the agitated crowd. The demonstrators subsequently shifted their protest to Gardanibagh, the designated protest area in the state capital. Khan Sir, who commands a substantial following among students preparing for competitive exams, joined the protests and demanded a public statement from the BPSC Chairperson clarifying the examination format and ruling out the use of the normalization process. He vowed to continue supporting the students until such a clarification was issued.
Khan Sir’s involvement in the student protests follows recent meetings with prominent members of the ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U) party, including national general secretary Manish Verma and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. These interactions fuelled speculation about Khan Sir’s potential entry into politics, specifically joining the JD-U. However, Khan Sir has categorically denied these rumours, attributing the meetings to discussions concerning the future of education in Bihar. The police intervention in the protests and the subsequent clarification regarding Khan Sir’s status underscore the sensitivity surrounding the BPSC examination and the influence wielded by figures like Khan Sir within the student community.
The Bihar Police’s prompt response in clarifying the misinformation surrounding Khan Sir’s alleged arrest is crucial in maintaining order and preventing further escalation of the already tense situation. The police’s decision to file a case against the coaching institute’s social media handle highlights the authorities’ commitment to combating the spread of false information, particularly in a charged environment. The incident also brings into focus the power of social media in disseminating information, both accurate and inaccurate, and its potential to influence public perception and action.
The ongoing protests and the anxieties surrounding the BPSC examination reflect deeper concerns about the fairness and transparency of the examination process. The students’ demand for a single-shift examination format highlights their apprehension regarding the normalization process, which they perceive as potentially disadvantaging certain candidates. The BPSC’s denial of any changes to the examination procedure, juxtaposed with the students’ persistent protests, underscores the need for clear and open communication between the authorities and the aspirants to address their concerns and restore confidence in the examination process. The situation warrants a careful and considered approach to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination while safeguarding the interests and aspirations of the lakhs of students who have invested time and effort in preparing for it. The coming days will be crucial in determining how the BPSC and the state government address the students’ concerns and ensure a peaceful resolution to the ongoing impasse.