Patna: A coaching institute of educator Faisal Khan, popularly known as ‘Khan Sir,’ was allegedly vandalised and pelted with stones in Patna, police said on Wednesday, June 3.
Three people, including the director of a rival coaching centre, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Khan Sir also claimed that a firing took place at the institution, but police could not confirm it.
The incident took place at Khan Global Coaching Institute in the Kadamkuan police station area on Tuesday night, June 2, they said.
“We received information around 10.10 pm on Tuesday about stone-pelting and damage to property at Khan Global Coaching Institute under the jurisdiction of Kadamkuan Police Station. A police team was immediately sent to the spot and an investigation has been launched,” a statement issued by the City Superintendent office said.
Inter-coaching rivalry
Preliminary investigation and examination of CCTV footage indicated that around 15 to 20 people associated with another coaching institute in Patna were allegedly involved in the stone-pelting and vandalism act, it added.
Town DSP-1 Rajesh Ranjan said four people have been named as accused alongside 15-20 unidentified persons.
Of the named accused, three people, including the rival coaching centre’s director Roshan Anand, have been arrested and efforts are on to nab the other accused, he said.
Anand, speaking to reporters, alleged that efforts were being made to malign him and his coaching institute.
Police said that prima facie, the incident appears to be a case of inter-coaching rivalry; however, all aspects of the matter are being thoroughly investigated.
Guard suffers head injury
The coaching centre’s guard was also assaulted, and he suffered a head injury. He is currently undergoing treatment at the Patna Medical College Hospital.
According to a police statement, an FIR was registered under sections of the BNS on the basis of a complaint lodged by Kanhaiya Kumar Singh, manager of Khan Global Studies Coaching Institute.
Education Minister reacts
Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari said a policy would be formulated to prevent the recurrence of such events.
“The government will formulate a policy within the next three months, after consulting all stakeholders, to stop such incidents from occurring. If these coaching institutes behave like this over rivalry and disturb law and order, then a targeted policy is required for sure,” he said.
Khan Sir alleges gun firing
Khan, addressing reporters after the incident, said, “Some anti-social elements from a nearby coaching created widespread damage, beat our guard badly and even fired gunshots. Their primary angst is how can someone teach students at such a low cost and still deliver thousands of results each year.”
He was referring to the results of the Bihar Police Recruitment exams, released recently.
However, first information report (FIR) reportedly contains no allegation of gunfire. Patna Police has stated that no evidence of firing has been found and has denied that any shooting took place.
Atmosphere remains tense
The atmosphere around the coaching institute remained tense as the attack triggered widespread concern among students and educators.
Citing the prevailing circumstances, Khan sir announced that no classes would be conducted for the day. As students gathered outside the institute, slogans in support of their teacher echoed across the campus and surrounding area.
Students hold dharna, demanding security for Khan Sir
Following the cancellation of classes, many students staged a sit-in protest on the road, demanding adequate security arrangements for Khan Sir. Protesters stated that they would continue their demonstration until the administration assured them of the educator’s safety.
Addressing the students, Khan sir urged them to clear the roads and maintain peace. He stressed that the institution’s purpose is education and learning, not confrontation or unrest.
(With inputs from agencies.)
