Bihar: Train services on Patna outskirts disrupted after youth mob gathered on tracks, police resort to lathi-charge

Railway services on the outskirts of Patna were disrupted late Saturday night after a group of over 200 youths gathered on the tracks near Pataliputra railway station. The protesters, claiming to be candidates for an Excise Department exam scheduled for Sunday, alleged inadequate train arrangements and demanded a special train to reach their destinations on time. Police were forced to use tear gas and lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, which refused to leave the tracks even after a special train was arranged at around 2 am. The confrontation escalated when some protesters reportedly pelted stones at security personnel, leading to a violent standoff. Normalcy was restored by 3 am, but the disruption caused significant delays, with two passenger trains and a goods train stranded for hours. Other trains were rerouted through alternative routes until the situation stabilized. Inspector General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) Amresh Kumar stated that many of the youths appeared to be anti-social elements attempting to disrupt the exams. Authorities are investigating the incident, with the RPF and Government Railway Police (GRP) coordinating with Patna Police to identify those responsible using CCTV footage. An FIR will be lodged, and measures are in place to ensure accountability for the disturbance and damage to railway property. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav condemned the incident, emphasizing the need for young people to maintain decorum. The disruption affected exam preparations for candidates relying on train services to reach their test centers across Bihar.