An attack on the Patna coaching centre run by popular educator Khan Sir has triggered questions over whether rivalry within the coaching industry could have played a role in the incident.
The vandalism and assault took place on Tuesday night when a group of men allegedly entered the coaching centre and attacked a security guard. The injured guard was admitted to hospital, while police launched an investigation and began examining CCTV footage to identify those involved.
Initial reports suggested that firing had taken place at the premises. However, it was later clarified that no shots were fired and that the incident involved vandalism and damage to property inside the coaching centre.
Khan Sir received threats before attack
After being informed of the incident, Khan Sir reached the coaching centre at around 11.30 pm. He alleged that anti-social elements had entered the premises and assaulted the guard. He also claimed that threats had been issued days before the attack.
According to Khan Sir, thousands of students from his coaching centre were recently selected in the Bihar Police recruitment examination. A felicitation programme was organised to honour the successful candidates. He alleged that following the event, some individuals arrived at the coaching centre and warned that the institute would be “blown up” within two days.
Suspicion on rival coaching centres
Khan Sir suggested that some coaching operators could be linked to the incident, although no evidence has yet been presented publicly to support the claim. He alleged that certain people oppose his institution because it offers affordable education to students.
The educator, whose coaching centres are known for charging highly subsidised fees, said this had created opposition from some quarters. However, authorities have not confirmed any link between the attack and rival coaching institutes.
Khan Sir said, “Classes had got over, results of Bihar Police recruitment had come, thousands qualified, we were tired, then some anti-social elements came, started threatening us, beat up the guards, they seem to be coaching people. They are hassled by low fees, I feel poor also have right to study… They have been identified. I should get the security, but it is up to the administration… CCTV footage have been handed over…”
Police examine CCTV footage
The coaching management has handed over CCTV footage to investigators. Police are analysing the footage and gathering statements from witnesses as part of the probe. The injured security guard has also reportedly claimed to have identified some of the accused.
Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya Sharma said the initial investigation suggested that some students were involved in the assault and in tearing down posters at the coaching centre. The police investigation remains ongoing.
Students protest
The incident sparked protests among students on Wednesday morning. A group of students assembled outside the coaching centre and expressed anger over the attack. Following the protest and the assault, security has been increased in the area.
Who is Khan sir?
Khan Sir, whose real name is Faisal Khan, is among India’s best-known educators and has built a large following through both classroom teaching and online platforms.
Based in Patna, he runs the Khan GS Research Centre and Khan Global Studies. He is widely recognised for making subjects such as current affairs, geopolitics and general studies accessible to students preparing for competitive examinations.
His coaching model focuses on low-cost education, with fees sometimes as low as Rs 200 for students from weaker economic backgrounds. He has also emerged as a prominent voice on issues affecting students, including recruitment examinations, education reforms and the NEET paper leak controversy.
Source:- News18
