Patna Police Debunk Fake News Regarding Khan Sir’s Arrest Amidst BPSC Exam Protests
Patna, Bihar – Tensions are high in Patna as civil service aspirants continue their protests against the Bihar Public Service Commission’s (BPSC) examination process. Amidst the unrest, a social media storm erupted following a post by the X handle ‘Khan Global Studies,’ associated with prominent educator and YouTuber Khan Sir, falsely claiming his arrest. Patna Police swiftly responded, clarifying that Khan Sir was neither detained nor arrested, dismissing the post as misleading and provocative. The incident highlights the escalating tensions surrounding the upcoming 70th BPSC Preliminary Examination, scheduled for December 13th.
The controversy began when ‘Khan Global Studies’ shared a post demanding Khan Sir’s release, despite no official confirmation of any arrest. This sparked confusion and fueled speculation, particularly among students who follow Khan Sir’s educational content. Dr. Anu Kumari, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Sachiwalaya, addressed the issue, categorically stating that Khan Sir was not arrested. She explained that Khan Sir visited the Gardanibagh police station voluntarily and was later dropped off near Atal Path in a police vehicle at his own request. The police condemned the misleading post, emphasizing its potential to incite unrest and confuse students already anxious about the upcoming examinations.
The backdrop to this incident is the ongoing protest by BPSC aspirants against the ‘normalization’ process implemented in the preliminary examinations. Hundreds of students gathered near the BPSC office on Saturday, demanding a single-shift, single-paper examination format to ensure fairness and avoid discrepancies arising from normalization. The protests intensified, leading to police intervention, including a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. Students argue that the current system creates disparities and disadvantages some candidates. BPSC officials, however, have denied making any changes to the established examination rules.
Khan Sir, known for his accessible and engaging educational videos, has been a vocal supporter of the protesting students. His presence at the Gardanibagh police station, although voluntary, further fueled the rumor mill. This incident underscores the volatile atmosphere surrounding the BPSC examination and the potential for misinformation to spread rapidly in the current climate. The police have appealed for calm and urged students to rely on official information channels.
The protests highlight the growing concerns surrounding competitive examinations in India, particularly those for government services. Students invest considerable time and effort in preparing for these exams, and any perceived unfairness or lack of transparency in the process can lead to significant unrest. The demand for a single-shift examination reflects the desire for a level playing field, ensuring that all candidates are assessed under identical conditions. The normalization process, intended to address variations in difficulty levels across different shifts, has become a point of contention.
The BPSC faces the challenge of addressing the students’ concerns while maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the examination process. Open communication and transparency are crucial in resolving the impasse and ensuring that the upcoming 70th BPSC Preliminary Examination proceeds smoothly. The incident involving Khan Sir underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing it on social media, especially during sensitive periods. The police investigation into the source of the misleading post highlights the authorities’ commitment to curbing the spread of fake news and maintaining public order.