HPSC aspirants claim late‑night police crackdown after Hooda’s visit

A group of candidates preparing for the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) examinations has been staging a sit‑in protest since December 18 of the previous year. The demonstration, aimed at pressing for reforms in the recruitment process, entered its latest phase on Friday when, according to the aspirants, a heavy police contingent arrived at the protest site around 11:30 pm while the participants were asleep.

The allegation states that the police moved in force, confiscated the mobile phones of the demonstrators and escorted several of them to a nearby police station. The candidates said they were held for a short period before being released, but the loss of their devices disrupted their communication and ability to document the event.

The HPSC conducts competitive examinations for a range of state services, and the aspirants’ grievances have drawn attention from civic groups and local observers. Their protest began after a series of delays and concerns about the transparency of the examination schedule, and it has continued despite repeated appeals to authorities.

The midnight incident has raised questions about the handling of public demonstrations in the capital. While the police have not issued an official statement confirming the details, the aspirants’ claim adds to a pattern of tense interactions between law‑enforcement agencies and civil groups in the region.

The visit by Hooda, a senior political figure, to the area earlier in the week appears to have intensified the situation. The timing of the alleged crackdown, occurring shortly after his arrival, has led observers to note a possible connection, though no direct link has been established.

Local residents and a few nearby shopkeepers have expressed concern over the disturbance, but no specific reactions from the broader community have been recorded in the available reports. The incident underscores the challenges faced by those seeking to exercise their right to peaceful protest in an urban environment.

Authorities have not yet announced any administrative action or promised inquiry into the alleged phone seizure and detention. The aspirants continue to demand a transparent investigation and the return of their devices, emphasizing that the protest will persist until their concerns are addressed.

Overall, the episode reflects the ongoing tension between state recruitment bodies, aspirants demanding fairness, and law‑enforcement responses during public demonstrations. The outcome of any subsequent inquiry will be closely watched by candidates and civic observers alike.

Source: Hindustan Times