Patna, Bihar: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor was arrested in Patna on Monday for leading a sit-in protest at Gandhi Maidan, an unauthorized location, according to Patna SSP Awakash Kumar. Kishor and other protestors were demanding action on a five-point list of demands, including the re-conduct of the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) preliminary examination.

The arrest follows a notice issued by the administration directing Kishor and the protestors to relocate their demonstration from Gandhi Maidan to the designated protest area, Gardnibagh. "An FIR was lodged in Gandhi Maidan police station for illegally protesting in the restricted area. Despite repeated requests and giving sufficient time, the place was not vacated," stated SSP Kumar. Kishor was arrested along with some of his supporters on January 6th.

Kishor, who has been actively supporting the BPSC candidates' protest, defended his choice of protest venue, claiming that Gandhi Maidan is a public space and does not require prior permission for peaceful demonstrations. He drew parallels to the ongoing farmer protests in Delhi, questioning their legality and the authorities' knowledge of the rules.

However, Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh clarified that Kishor's protest violated a 2015 Patna High Court ruling designating Gardanibagh as the authorized location for protests, subject to prior permission from the district administration. Singh emphasized that Gandhi Maidan, primarily a recreational space, is not permitted for protests or sit-ins, even requiring administrative approval for political rallies.

Following a medical examination, Kishor is expected to be presented in court.