Jharkhand Students’ Protest Enters 20th Day, Demands CBI Probe and Exam Reforms

It's the 20th day of the Jharkhand students' protest against purported anomalies in the Jharkhand recruitment exams. The protesters are not ready to end the protest unless their demands are fulfilled.

The "JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch" has been protesting outside the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium here, calling for increased openness in the hiring process, the cancellation of several tests, and an impartial investigation by the CBI or a group of retired judges from outside Jharkhand.

ABVP announces protests, Das demands CBI probe

The ABVP has declared protests at over 1,200 campuses over the matter, and former chief minister Raghubar Das threatened to go on a hunger strike on Wednesday if the demand for a CBI investigation was not met within a week.

Additionally, Das requested Rs 1 crore for each of the families of the 19 individuals who perished during the 2024 excise constable physical examination.

Citing frequent changes in its composition, ABVP officials have questioned the legitimacy of the state-appointed SIT investigating the alleged irregularities.

Congress-BJP clash over student protests

While the Congress accused the BJP of politicising the students' agitation and bringing people from outside the state to disrupt the protests, the BJP accused the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand of crushing the movement.

Following a clash between demonstrators and police during their march into the Assembly on Monday, tensions increased as security officers dispersed the agitators with batons, water cannons and tear gas. Following the police action, the BJP staged a statewide bandh.

JLKM leader seeks return to protest site

Devendra Nath Mahto, the leader of the JLKM, who has been on a hunger strike and is receiving medical attention at a hospital after his health declined, asked the Ranchi civil surgeon for permission to return to the protest site, claiming that his "soul" remained with the student movement.

Additionally, four hunger-striking students were being treated at the hospital.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren has insisted that his government is dedicated to recruitment exam reforms and promised demonstrators that the 14th JPSC exam will be cancelled.