Jharkhand police used tear gas, water cannons, and baton charges on Monday to disperse thousands of student protesters near the state assembly in Ranchi [1], [2].
The clash underscores growing frustration among job seekers over the integrity of civil service examinations, which are critical gateways to stable government employment in India.
Thousands of youth protesters [2] gathered near the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha to voice grievances regarding the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) preliminary and backlog examinations [3]. The students said that paper leaks and other irregularities compromised the fairness of the recruitment process [3], [4].
The demonstration occurred during the third week of ongoing protests [1]. The group said they are demanding the immediate cancellation of the affected exams and the initiation of an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) [3], [4].
Police deployed force to clear the area surrounding the assembly building [1], [3]. The use of water cannons and tear gas was employed to push back the crowds after the situation escalated [1], [3].
While the protesters seek transparency in the JPSC process, the state response on Monday focused on maintaining order near the legislative seat [1], [2]. The students said that only a federal probe can ensure the exams are conducted without corruption [3], [4].
“Jharkhand police used tear gas, water cannons, and baton charges on Monday to disperse thousands of student protesters”
The escalation in Ranchi reflects a broader trend of unrest across various Indian states where recruitment exam leaks have sparked widespread student volatility. By demanding a CBI probe, the protesters are signaling a complete lack of trust in state-level oversight, suggesting that only a federal agency can provide a credible audit of the JPSC's processes.
