The arrest of former Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Chairperson L Khiangte has been described by Congress Member of Parliament Pawan Khera as a “dream” scenario. This statement comes in the context of ongoing demonstrations by aspirants for government jobs, who allege irregularities in the examinations conducted by both the JPSC and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The protests have gained momentum as students demand accountability and reform in the recruitment process.

Khera expressed his opinion via social media, claiming that the central government appeared determined to shield those responsible for the alleged violations of students’ rights. He suggested that the actions taken against Khiangte signal a failure of the so-called “Gujarat model”, which he accused of neglecting the rights of students.

The Jharkhand Criminal Investigation Department (CID) confirmed Khiangte’s arrest, which has taken place amidst heightened tensions in Ranchi, where student groups are rallying for an independent inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the JSSC-CGL examination and broader reforms in the organisational practices of the JPSC and JSSC.

Clashes Erupt Between Police And Protesters

The protests culminated in clashes between police and student demonstrators during the ‘Vidhan Sabha Gherao’ march in Ranchi. Organised by the JPSC-JSSC Reform Morcha, the march aimed to highlight concerns regarding recruitment examination irregularities. Reports indicate that police employed tear gas, water cannons, and lathi charges after some protesters attempted to breach barricades while advancing towards the Jharkhand Assembly.

Student leader Ravindra Paswan, amidst the unrest, urged for restraint and asserted that the majority of the protesters aimed to advance their demands peacefully and constitutionally. He remarked on the peaceful nature of the demonstrations while acknowledging attempts by certain anti-social elements to divert the focus of the protests.

Student Demands and Ongoing Agitation

Aspirants continuing the protests have laid out specific demands, including the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, initiation of a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities, and reforms in the recruitment processes. Devendra Nath Mahto, a leader from the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, has been on a hunger strike for nine consecutive days to support the cause. He indicated that the protests had evolved into a “mass movement” and vowed to persist until the aspirants’ grievances were adequately addressed.

Furthermore, as part of the ongoing developments surrounding these examination irregularities, the Enforcement Directorate has filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), indicating a broader investigative effort into the alleged corruption affecting student recruitment processes. This situation continues to unfold, with significant public interest in the outcomes of both the protests and the legal inquiries being conducted.

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