On March 10, a daring robbery occurred at a jewellery store in the Gopali Chowk area of Ara, Bhojpur district, Bihar, where valuable items worth over ₹25 crore were stolen at gunpoint, according to police reports. The incident transpired around 11 a.m. when six armed robbers entered the well-known jewellery retailer’s shop, overpowered the staff, and took control of the situation by locking the shutter. They held the employees hostage for over half an hour as they gathered the valuables before making their escape.

The robbery was recorded on CCTV, and the footage quickly gained traction on social media platforms. Store employees reported to the police that approximately ₹25 crore worth of jewellery was taken by the assailants. In response, police immediately initiated a manhunt, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire that resulted in the arrest of two of the robbers. Authorities also recovered two bags containing some of the stolen jewellery from their possession during the arrest.

Following the incident, police reinforced security measures around the town. An officer noted that two suspicious individuals on a motorcycle were apprehended near Barhara after attempting to flee when approached by the police. A chase ensued, resulting in a confrontation where the suspects opened fire, but they were ultimately captured with gunshot wounds to their legs.

Superintendent of Police Raj addressed the media, stating that a significant portion, around 70%, of the stolen jewellery has been recovered, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining four culprits involved in the robbery. CCTV footage is currently under review as part of the investigation to identify all suspects linked to the crime.

The incident has instilled fear among local traders, prompting a heightened sense of security in the area. Raj assured the public that the police are committed to capturing all individuals involved in this brazen heist, which stands as one of the largest thefts in the region in recent memory.

Former Bihar MLA Anant Singh surrendered to a Barh court on Friday, facing charges related to a shootout on the outskirts of Patna. The incident, which occurred Wednesday evening, involved an alleged attack on Singh’s convoy by the notorious Sonu-Monu gang. The ensuing exchange of gunfire, according to eyewitness accounts, involved a significant volume of shots – estimates ranging from 60 to 70 rounds, though police reported a lower figure of 16-17.

Remarkably, Singh escaped unharmed. Following his surrender, he was remanded to Beur jail. Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Awkash Kumar confirmed the surrender and the filing of three separate FIRs concerning the incident.

The shootout unfolded amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions in Mokama, a region with a history of violent crime and political rivalry. The involvement of the Sonu-Monu gang, known for its criminal activities, added a layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.

Singh’s supporters retaliated to the initial attack, leading to the intense exchange of gunfire that gripped the area. The incident underscores the deep-seated power struggles and lawlessness that persist in certain parts of Bihar.

Adding to the escalating tension, another shooting incident was reported on Friday in Hamza village, under the jurisdiction of Panchmahal police station in Mokama. Three spent cartridges were found near Mukesh Singh’s house, prompting an immediate investigation.

Senior police officials were deployed to the scene to assess the situation and gather evidence. The timing and location of this second incident suggest a possible connection to the previous day’s events, raising concerns about further escalation of violence.

Police have apprehended two suspects, Sonu and Roushan, in connection with Wednesday’s shooting. Investigations suggest that the Sonu-Monu gang specifically targeted Mukesh Singh, a former associate of the gang who had allegedly sought protection and assistance from Anant Singh. This suggests a complex network of allegiances and betrayals within the criminal underworld of Mokama.

Anant Singh, a controversial figure with a history of both political success and criminal accusations, has been a prominent figure in Mokama’s political landscape for years. His past includes a conviction in 2020 related to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and other weapons from his ancestral home, resulting in his disqualification from the assembly.

However, he was acquitted of these charges in August 2024. His wife, a former MLA, recently shifted her political allegiance from the RJD to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), further complicating the political dynamics of the region.

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) released the results for the 70th Preliminary Examination on January 23, 2025. Candidates can view their results on the official BPSC website, bpsc.bih.nic.in. The results include those for the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), Finance Administrative Officer, and Child Development Project Officer positions.

This year’s examination covered a wide range of posts, including those under the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), Finance Administrative Officer (FAO), and Child Development Project Officer (CDPO). The release of these results marks a significant step forward for thousands of candidates pursuing careers in public service within Bihar.

The BPSC 70th Preliminary Examination, conducted on December 13th and January 4th, 2025, witnessed a massive turnout of 328,990 candidates. This substantial number underscores the immense competition and the high stakes involved in securing a government position in Bihar. The results, however, reveal a more selective outcome.

A total of 21,581 candidates successfully cleared the preliminary round for the CCE, demonstrating their competence and readiness to progress to the subsequent stages of the recruitment process. For the specialized roles of FAO and CDPO, a considerably smaller, yet still significant number of candidates qualified. 61 individuals successfully passed the preliminary examination for FAO positions, while 144 candidates qualified for CDPO posts.

The BPSC has also released the cutoff marks for the CCE, providing candidates with valuable insight into the performance benchmarks. The cut-off scores vary across different categories, reflecting the commission’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. 

Cut-off Marks:

• Unreserved: 91
• Unreserved Female: 81
• EWS: 83
• EWS Female: 73
• SC: 70
• SC Female: 55
• ST/ST Female: 65

How to Check Your Results:

1. Go to bpsc.bih.nic.in.
2. Locate and click the “BPSC 70th Prelims Result 2024” link.
3. A PDF containing the results will open. Download and save a copy for your records.

Examination Results: The Bihar prelims exam, held on December 13th and January 4th, 2025, saw 328,990 candidates. The following number passed:

• Combined Competitive Examination: 21,581
• Finance Administrative Officer: 61
• Child Development Project Officer: 144