RANCHI — Jharkhand Police used tear gas, water cannons and batons on Monday to disperse thousands of students and government-job aspirants who marched toward the state Assembly in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, according to media reports and police accounts.
The protesters, many of them candidates for examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), had sought action over alleged unfair practices and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry. The confrontation followed the breakdown of talks between representatives of the protesters and the state government, local media reported.
Police had erected barricades and deployed security personnel to prevent the protesters from reaching the Assembly. Tensions escalated after demonstrators breached several barricades, prompting police to use water cannons and tear gas before resorting to baton charges, according to reports.
Reports differed on the number of people injured. The Economic Times reported that 14 security personnel were injured, while the Times of India reported injuries to at least four police officers and several protesters. Authorities had not released a comprehensive official casualty figure in the reports available by Tuesday.
The protesters' demands center on alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. JPSC has postponed nine recruitment examinations scheduled between July and September, including the Combined Civil Services Main Examination, citing "unavoidable reasons." The postponements came amid an investigation by the state Criminal Investigation Department into alleged examination malpractice.
The police response has drawn criticism from opposition politicians, while authorities have said the security measures were taken as the demonstration escalated and protesters attempted to move beyond designated areas. Reports also said authorities were reviewing CCTV footage to establish what occurred during the confrontation.
The protests reflect continuing tensions over the state's recruitment system, where government examinations attract large numbers of young applicants. Protest leaders have continued to press for an independent investigation and action on their demands.
As of Tuesday, the dispute remained unresolved, with the protesters continuing to seek government action and no new examination schedule announced by JPSC for the postponed tests.
