Jharkhand Exam Row Escalates: ED Launches Probe, Ex-JPSC Chief Arrested as Students Clash With Police

Jharkhand's recruitment exam controversy escalated sharply on Monday as thousands of job aspirants marched towards the state Assembly, breached barricades and faced water cannons, tear gas and lathi charge, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a PMLA probe and former JPSC chairman L Khiangte was arrested by the state CID.

The confrontation came on the 17th day of the agitation over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, particularly the JSSC-CGL. Protesters refused to withdraw their agitation despite the government claiming 98 per cent of their demands had been accepted. Minister Sudivya Kumar later said 95 per cent had been fulfilled.

Students dispute the government's claim, saying their core demand for a CBI probe remains unresolved. They want an independent investigation into alleged irregularities and paper leaks and cancellation of 13 examinations, while the government has agreed to scrap only three.

Monday's Vidhan Sabha March began around 10.30 am from outside the old Assembly building. Protesters carrying tricolours and placards breached successive barricades and reached near Jagannathpur Temple. Police used water cannons before firing tear gas and resorting to lathi charge when the protesters attempted to advance. Several protesters alleged injuries.

More than 1,500 security personnel were deployed along the route, backed by CCTV cameras and drones. Prohibitory orders were imposed within a 750-metre radius of the Assembly.

The ED has initiated a PMLA investigation into alleged irregularities in multiple recruitment examinations after taking cognisance of a Jharkhand CID FIR and other complaints.

The CID arrested former JPSC chairman L Khiangte, who resigned on July 22. A day earlier, all three JPSC members -- Ajeeta Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda and Jamal Ahmad -- resigned after being summoned over allegations including paper leaks. Nineteen people have so far been arrested in connection with alleged JPSC irregularities.

The government has proposed cancelling the 14th JPSC examination, a fast-track court and expert panels for examination reforms, but has refused the CBI demand, citing judicial oversight of the JSSC-CGL.

Six protesters remain on hunger strike, including JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who joined the march in an ambulance after his health deteriorated.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Governor Santosh Gangwar have appealed for dialogue, but the students remain firm on their demands.