Jharkhand Students Demand CBI Probe Into Recruitment Exam Scams

Hundreds of job aspirants in Ranchi have maintained an indefinite sit-in at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium since late July to protest alleged paper leaks and irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations. Protesters demand the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Test, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into the last seven years of recruitment, and structural reforms to the state's examination system.

Hemant Soren, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, initially ordered a state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe, which students rejected as a whitewash. The CID has since arrested 19 people and conducted raids across several cities, including Palamu and Dhanbad. While Soren has offered dialogue and formed a ministerial team to address concerns, students have rejected closed-door meetings, demanding transparent, public discussions. Some protesters have escalated their demands to include Soren's resignation.

Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato launched an indefinite hunger strike on August 2. He briefly broke a water boycott following an appeal from activist Sonam Wangchuk but continues to abstain from food. The movement has gained support from the Cockroach Janta Party and various youth federations. Opposition leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Babulal Marandi have criticized the state's handling of the crisis, urging a CBI inquiry. In response to the unrest, the JPSC postponed the Combined Civil Services Mains Examination. Protesters have threatened a statewide gherao of the Jharkhand Assembly on August 10 if their demands are not met.