Khan Sir’s Health Scare Sparks False Death Rumors After BPSC Exam Protests in Patna
Patna, Bihar – Renowned educator and coaching institute director, Khan Sir (Faizal Khan), experienced a health scare following his involvement in student protests against the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination on December 6, 2024. The protests, sparked by changes in the preliminary exam rules, saw Khan Sir standing in solidarity with the students. During the demonstration, police intervened, and the ensuing situation reportedly contributed to a deterioration in Khan Sir’s health, leading to his hospitalization the following day. False rumors of his death subsequently circulated on social media, causing widespread concern among his students and followers.
The rumors, originating from a video posted on Instagram and Facebook, featured an image of Khan Sir in the hospital alongside footage of an ambulance. The posts erroneously declared his demise on December 10, 2024. Vishvas News, a fact-checking organization, swiftly debunked these claims, confirming that Khan Sir had been admitted due to dehydration and fever, common ailments exacerbated by the stressful circumstances of the protest. Following treatment, he was discharged and is now recovering well.
Khan Sir’s hospitalization fueled existing anxieties surrounding the BPSC exam protests. Students had taken to the streets to voice their discontent with the perceived unfairness of the revised exam regulations. The protests escalated, prompting police intervention, which further heightened tensions. The incident involving Khan Sir added another layer of complexity to the already charged atmosphere. The subsequent spread of misinformation about his death underscored the volatile nature of the situation and the susceptibility of social media users to unverified information.
Patna Police, in response to the escalating situation, clarified that reports of Khan Sir’s arrest were also unfounded. They confirmed that he had voluntarily visited the Gardanibagh police station to support the protesting students and was later escorted home in a police vehicle. No charges were filed against him. The police attributed the false arrest rumors to misleading posts circulated online, emphasizing the need for responsible social media engagement and the verification of information before sharing. They urged the public to rely on credible news sources and avoid spreading unsubstantiated claims.
The incident highlights the critical role of responsible journalism and fact-checking in countering the spread of misinformation, particularly during times of heightened public anxiety. The prompt debunking of the death rumors by Vishvas News helped quell the spread of panic and provided accurate information to concerned individuals. This incident underscores the importance of verifying information from reliable sources before sharing it on social media platforms, as misinformation can have far-reaching consequences.
The BPSC exam protests and the subsequent misinformation surrounding Khan Sir’s health underscore the challenges faced by educational institutions and authorities in maintaining order and transparency during periods of student unrest. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of open communication channels between students, educational bodies, and law enforcement to address grievances effectively and prevent the escalation of tensions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for concerted efforts to combat the spread of false information, which can exacerbate an already sensitive situation and create unnecessary panic and distrust.