Six-Year-Old Boy Questions Police After BPSC Protest Violence

A young boy in Patna, Bihar, captured media attention during a student protest on Tuesday when he boldly questioned police officers about their alleged use of violence against demonstrators. The six-year-old, identified as Aditya from the Punaichak area, was present at the gathering of students and job seekers demanding reforms related to the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examinations.

Aditya faced a barrage of press inquiries, standing in front of more than 20 microphones as reporters sought his comments on the police's actions. According to a video circulating online, he asked a police officer, "Aap SP ho toh kya... police ka yahi kaam hai. Aapko patrolling karne ka kahin jagah nahi mil raha tha toh aap logon ne matha phudwa diya. Half murder hai ye... aapke upar toh 307 IPC ki dhara lagna chahiye." This translates to a pointed criticism of the officers' handling of the situation, questioning the legitimacy of their actions and referencing legal provisions against attempted murder.

Aditya further expressed his confusion over the police's authority, asking who had ordered the forceful actions against the protesting students. His remarks drew widespread attention online, with many users highlighting the irony of a child holding a "press conference." A video was shared by Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, emphasising the unusual situation.

Reports claim that while Aditya was taken to a nearby police station, authorities maintained he was not arrested but rather taken for his safety and later returned to his mother. Police officials advised the parents to be more vigilant given the unrest surrounding the protests.

The protests stemmed from multiple grievances about the BPSC recruitment process. Students were voicing their concerns over alleged irregularities in the 70th BPSC examination, including demands for its annulment and calls for a new examination. Furthermore, there were objections raised regarding the format of the upcoming Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE-4), with protesters seeking a more streamlined process and the removal of negative marking.

During the protest, demonstrators clashed with police while attempting to march towards the chief minister's residence. Reports indicate that protesters breached barricades and threw stones, prompting the police to use water cannons and, allegedly, physical force. Several individuals were detained, and both protesters and police personnel suffered injuries during the unrest.

The situation has highlighted tensions within Bihar regarding recruitment processes, with protesters feeling unheard in their demands for accountability from authorities. Aditya's poignant inquiries serve as a reminder of the broader concerns many in the state share regarding governance and police action.