Prashant Kishor Moves ECI Over Alleged Illegal Detentions During Bankipur Bypoll

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Sunday alleged that Patna Police illegally detained several of his party leaders and supporters during the Bankipur Assembly by-election, claiming the action was carried out at the behest of the BJP. The party has approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking action over the alleged misuse of administrative powers.

Addressing a press conference, Kishor claimed that 54 Jan Suraaj members and supporters were detained in the two days preceding polling, which was held on July 30. He alleged that a significant number of those detained were local residents of Bankipur and had not violated any restrictions imposed during the 48-hour silence period before voting.

Kishor accused Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma of giving a false explanation that outsiders were detained to maintain law and order. He claimed that evidence submitted to the ECI showed that many detainees were locals and had not breached Section 144 of the CrPC (now Section 163 of the BNSS).

“More than 18 individuals among the 54 detained were local residents of Bankipur. They were not creating any disturbance,” Kishor said, questioning how a person sleeping at home could pose a threat to law and order. The Jan Suraaj leader alleged that police action was biased and claimed that no BJP workers were detained despite the party’s supporters being involved in election activities. He accused the administration of attempting to influence voters and said such actions had “shamed democracy”.

Kishor also stated that his party had submitted complaints to the general observer and police observer and would approach the Election Commission in Delhi if necessary. He added that Bihar DGP officials had assured the party that the Patna SSP would have no role in the counting process.

Some individuals who claimed to have been detained also shared their experiences during the press conference. Nawal Kishor Gupta, a Bankipur resident, alleged that police picked him up from his home at 2 am without explaining the reason. Another supporter, Nibha Bhushan, claimed that unidentified persons entered her residence and threatened her.

The counting of votes for the Bankipur bypoll is scheduled for August 3, with the allegations and complaints now under scrutiny by election authorities.