Prashant arrested for ‘illegal’ hunger strike

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor was arrested on Monday for his “illegal” fast unto death and sent to jail upon refusal to accept bail, granted by a court here with conditions that he alleged were “unreasonable”.

The 47-year-old was booked last week for holding 'Aamaran anshan' (fast unto death) at Gandhi Maidan, in violation of a Patna High Court order that forbids any such demonstration at a place other than Gardani Bagh locality in the city. Kishor declared that he would “continue”his agitation from behind bars.

Senior lawyer YV Giri, who is actively associated with Kishor's party, said the bail was granted with an “unreasonable” condition that Kishor must give a written undertaking, which would have been tantamount to "admitting guilt".

The former poll strategist started his fast unto death on January 2, demanding the cancellation of the Combined Competitive Examination conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) last month. He was rounded up with his supporters early in the morning.

Talking to reporters before being taken to the Beur Central Jail, Kishor alleged, “After being picked up at 4 am, I was taken to AIIMS, Patna, for medical examination, but doctors refused to do the needful.”

Kishor had drawn flak from political players of all hues when a protest organised by him on December 30 was followed by lathi-charge and the use of water cannons.