Students Launch Hunger Strike Over Jharkhand Exam Irregularities

Hundreds of students in Ranchi have maintained an indefinite sit-in since July 29 to protest alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC-CGL) examinations. The protesters demand the cancellation of the JPSC Combined Preliminary Test held on April 19 and a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) into recruitment exams from the last seven years.

Hemant Soren and the Government of Jharkhand ordered a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe, but students rejected this as insufficient, citing a lack of faith in state agencies. By August 4, the situation escalated as student leader Devendra Nath Mahato launched an indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. Protesters also held a torchlight procession to Albert Ekka Chowk and a tribute march for the late Shibu Soren.

In response to the unrest, CID has arrested 11 individuals related to the JPSC paper leak, and JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte has resigned. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Manoj Pandey promised strict action against those involved, though he maintained that state agencies are competent to lead the investigation. Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party has formally expressed solidarity with the students' demands.