Ranchi: Tensions rose in Ranchi on Monday as Jharkhand Police used water cannons against student protesters who tried to cross barricades during a Vidhan Sabha Gherao march over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC-CGL examinations.
A large number of students gathered near the Jharkhand Assembly as part of the protest organised by the JPSC-JSSC Reform Morcha. The protesters are demanding action over alleged irregularities in the examination and recruitment process.
Read More :- How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE in India for Free: Streaming, TV Channels and Match Timings
Students Push Through Barricades
The situation turned tense after protesters attempted to move past the security barricading. Police used water cannons to prevent the crowd from advancing towards the Assembly.
According to protest leaders, students managed to cross multiple layers of barricading during the march. The police action came as the protesters continued to press for their demands.
The demonstration has drawn attention to long-running concerns among aspirants over the conduct of competitive examinations and the recruitment process in Jharkhand.
Devendra Nath Mahto Joins Protest
Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto also joined the JPSC-JSSC Reform Morcha’s Vidhan Sabha Gherao march.
Speaking during the protest, Mahto said the state government would have to listen to the demands of students. He also appealed to the administration to avoid using force against protesters.
Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, said he had reached the protest site in an ambulance. He also urged protesters and the government to avoid any situation that could lead to injuries or further escalation.
Read more : India vs Zimbabwe 2026 T20I Series: Full Schedule, Squads, Match Time, Live Telecast & Streaming
Mahto Warns Against Police Action
Mahto appealed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren to ensure that the protest did not turn violent.
He said arrests could be carried out through the legal process but warned against any action that could result in bloodshed or further agitation among students.
“I will not end the fast,” Mahto said, while reiterating that the protesters would continue pressing their demands.
Hunger Strike Enters Ninth Day
Mahto has been on hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, which has emerged as the main protest site, for the past nine days.
The protesters have been demanding an investigation into alleged irregularities linked to examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission.
Among their key demands is a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities.
ED Registers ECIR Over JPSC Exam Irregularities
The protest comes on the same day that the Enforcement Directorate registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the JPSC.
The development adds another layer to the controversy surrounding the recruitment examinations. The ED’s action is separate from the students’ ongoing protest and relates to its investigation into the alleged financial aspects of the matter.
The allegations remain subject to investigation, and any claims of wrongdoing will have to be established through the appropriate legal process.
What Students Are Demanding
The JPSC-JSSC Reform Morcha is seeking action against alleged irregularities in the examination and recruitment process. Protesters have also demanded a CBI investigation and greater transparency in the conduct of recruitment examinations.
The latest confrontation near the Assembly highlights the growing pressure on the Jharkhand government from students and job aspirants seeking answers over the examination process.
