The Vishrambaug police in Pune took formal action on Friday, registering a case against 17 aspirants of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examination. The case was filed for creating a ruckus and obstructing traffic after the candidates blocked the busy Alka Talkies chowk and staged a sudden protest late on Thursday night.
Traffic Chaos Grips Key Pune Roads
The unexpected demonstration by the MPSC candidates led to significant disruption across central Pune. The protest resulted in severe traffic congestion on several important roads, including Tilak Road, Laxmi Road, LBS Road, and Kelkar Road. The blockage at the crucial Alka Talkies intersection created a ripple effect, snaring vehicular movement in the surrounding areas for a considerable period.
Police Intervention and Stubborn Protest
Police teams from multiple stations swiftly reached the protest site. They engaged with the students, requesting them to clear the road and disperse to restore normal traffic flow. However, according to the police account, the aspirants refused to budge. They continued their sloganeering, adamant that the state government pay heed to their demands.
The core grievances of the protesting MPSC candidates are twofold. Firstly, they are demanding age relaxation for the forthcoming MPSC examinations, which include posts for sub-inspectors and other positions. Secondly, they are seeking a postponement of the MPSC examinations.
Resolution Attempts and Future Steps
After about an hour of engagement at the site, the protestors eventually agreed to leave the Alka Talkies chowk. The matter, however, progressed to a more formal discussion the next day. On Saturday, the protesting aspirants held a meeting with senior police officers.
During this meeting, the officers listened to the detailed demands put forth by the candidates. The police officials assured the aspirants that their concerns would be communicated to the higher authorities. The officers promised to convey their demands to the state government for further consideration and a potential resolution.
While the immediate roadblock was cleared, the legal process is now underway following the case registered by the Vishrambaug police. The incident highlights the growing pressure and anxiety among government job aspirants in Maharashtra regarding examination schedules and eligibility criteria.
