Students protesting over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations have accused police of using excessive force against a student leader during Monday’s demonstration in Ranchi.
The protest by job aspirants turned tense as demonstrators attempted to march towards the Jharkhand Assembly. Police deployed water cannons, tear gas and baton charges to prevent the protesters from moving beyond the barricades. Several protesters were reportedly injured during the confrontation.
Students alleged that the police action was particularly harsh against student leaders who were helping coordinate the agitation. The protesters claimed that the use of force was disproportionate and demanded accountability from the state government.
One of the prominent faces of the agitation, JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, was hospitalised after his health deteriorated. Mahto had reportedly been on a hunger strike for nine days while pressing the students' demands.
The students have been protesting against alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). They are demanding greater transparency in the recruitment process and have sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged irregularities.
Police, however, have defended their response, describing it as “mild” and “minimum” force. Officials said intervention became necessary after the situation at the protest site became difficult to control. Authorities are also examining CCTV footage to identify people allegedly responsible for disrupting the demonstration.
The allegations of police brutality have triggered a wider political confrontation in Jharkhand. The BJP called a statewide bandh on Tuesday to protest the police action against the job aspirants, while Opposition parties have also criticised the handling of the student movement.
The incident has now become a major flashpoint between the government and Opposition, with the treatment of protesting students being raised both on the streets and inside Parliament. NDA MPs also protested in Parliament against the police action, while Opposition parties continued to demand answers from the government.
As the agitation continues, the central issue remains the students’ demand for a transparent recruitment process. But the allegations of excessive police force have added a new dimension to the dispute, increasing pressure on the Jharkhand government to address both the examination-related concerns and questions surrounding Monday’s crackdown.
