Chaos at Constable Exam Centre: Angry Candidates Vandalise Facility, Block GT Road in Prayagraj
By BK Singh
Tension erupted at the I-Tech Zone examination centre in Prayagraj’s Sarai Inayat area after an unexpectedly large number of candidates arrived for the SSC GD Constable examination.
The overcrowding triggered massive chaos, leading to vandalism inside the centre and a prolonged traffic blockade on GT Road.
According to officials, the examination centre had the capacity to accommodate around 650 computer systems.
Still, nearly double the number of candidates were assigned to appear in the second and third shifts. As candidates failed to find seats and functional systems for the exam, frustration quickly escalated into anger.
Enraged aspirants allegedly damaged more than 100 computer systems inside the centre. Several rooms were left in ruins as candidates smashed chairs, servers, CCTV cameras, air conditioners, coolers, and even water dispensers during the outburst.
The situation worsened when groups of candidates moved out onto GT Road near the Jain Temple and staged a road blockade, disrupting traffic for nearly an hour.
Long queues of vehicles formed as protesters shouted slogans and demanded accountability over the mismanagement at the examination venue.
Police teams led by trainee IPS officer Ishwar Lal Gurjar, ACP Tharwai Arun Parashar, and ACP Phulpur rushed to the spot after receiving information about the unrest.
Officers intervened, spoke to the agitating candidates, and eventually managed to clear the road and restore normal traffic movement.
Officials later pasted a notice outside the centre informing candidates that both examination shifts had been postponed by the Staff Selection Commission’s Central Region office.
Following the announcement, the students gradually calmed down and returned home.
The SSC GD Constable examination conducted on Monday had been outsourced to a Bengaluru-based company, Eduquity Career Technologies Private Limited.
Reports suggest that while the centre had arrangements for around 500 candidates per shift, more than 1,000 candidates were allotted for each session.
Sources said the examination centre had received an email regarding the increased number of candidates only on Monday, leaving little time for additional arrangements.
The lack of adequate systems and seating created panic and confusion moments before the examination began.
Speaking on the incident, ACP Tharwai Arun Parashar confirmed that the centre had been allotted candidates beyond its capacity, which triggered anger among the aspirants.
He said police personnel pacified the students and brought the situation under control after the road blockade and vandalism.
