In a significant disruption during the Territorial Army Recruitment Rally in Patna, army aspirants caused a scene at the Kariyappa Ground in Sainik Chowk after being denied entry on the fifth day of the event. This chaotic situation has led to the rescheduling of the recruitment process, which will now take place on a district-wise basis starting from November 28.
On-site authorities, including Danapur Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Divya Shakti, City Superintendent of Police (SP) for the West, Sharath RS, and other officials promptly intervened to restore order amidst the rising tensions. The Bihar Regimental Centre (BRC) in Danapur, which was overwhelmed by approximately 40,000 candidates who gathered to participate in the recruitment rally, was designed to handle only about 3,000 candidates per day. Consequently, many aspirants were unable to enter, causing frustration and unrest among the crowd.
SP Sharath reported that due to the overwhelming turnout, the police were compelled to use mild force to manage the crowd, ensuring that the situation was brought under control. The originally planned recruitment dates for November 16 and 17 were affected by this incident.
In response to the chaos, the Indian Army issued a notification outlining that the recruitment rally initially scheduled for November 17 has been expanded and rescheduled. The new format will allow for a more organized, district-wise recruitment process set to commence on November 28, providing all candidates an opportunity to participate. Details regarding the specific district-wise schedule will be communicated shortly.
During a press briefing, SDPO Bhanu Pratap Singh explained that managing the large crowd was challenging, but with the help of law enforcement and supportive agencies, the applicants were ultimately calmed down. Aspirants were informed via loudspeakers that the recruitment process for that day had concluded, and the examination scheduled for Sunday would also be rescheduled to start from November 28.
Furthermore, Singh reassured candidates that those who missed the chance to partake in this recruitment event would still have an opportunity in the upcoming recruitment process. The enrollment officer of the Army Infantry has issued a letter indicating that by adopting a district-wise approach, issues related to overcrowding at the BRC would be alleviated.
In addressing queries regarding the management of the situation, Singh refuted allegations of lathi-charge against the candidates, asserting that no such measures were employed by the police during the incident.
The incident in Patna echoes past recruitment challenges, such as the postponement of the Jharkhand excise constable recruitment drive in August this year, where tragic circumstances arose after the deaths of 15 aspirants during a physical test. As the November recruitment events unfold, procedures are being refined to ensure safety while accommodating the significant interest among applicants.
