Jharkhand JPSC-JSSC Protest Intensifies: Students’ Hunger Strike Enters Day 14, Talks Fail as CID Arrests 19

Ranchi: The agitation over alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) recruitment examinations has intensified, with the students’ protest entering its 14th day on Friday. Six students continue an indefinite hunger strike at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, while late-night discussions between the administration and protest leaders ended without a breakthrough.

The deadlock reportedly arose over the composition of the delegation for talks. While the administration insisted on meeting only student representatives, the protesters remained firm on sending their pre-decided 11-member delegation, which includes a journalist and a lawyer.

CID Probe Gains Momentum, 19 Arrested

The CID’s investigation into the alleged JPSC recruitment scam has gathered pace, with 19 people arrested so far. Sources indicate that another round of talks between the state government and student representatives is expected later in the day.

The movement, launched on July 25 under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, has emerged as one of Jharkhand’s biggest student protests in recent years. Protesters are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, a CBI probe or an independent inquiry by a panel of retired High Court judges from outside the state, and sweeping reforms in both JPSC and JSSC.

Political Heat Rises Over Student Agitation

The issue echoed in the Jharkhand Assembly on the opening day of the Monsoon Session, where opposition BJP legislators staged protests wearing masks and accused the Hemant Soren government of jeopardizing students’ futures. The BJP also reiterated its demand for a CBI investigation into the alleged recruitment irregularities.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren has maintained that paper leaks are a nationwide issue and said his government is willing to hold discussions with the protesting students.

Restrictions Near Assembly, Health Concerns Grow

Anticipating fresh demonstrations on August 7 and 10, the district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 within a 750-metre radius of the Jharkhand Assembly from August 6 to 12.

Health concerns have also mounted over hunger striker and Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendranath Mahto, whose blood pressure and sugar levels have reportedly fallen sharply. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk spoke to Mahto over the phone, urging him to at least drink water, a request he accepted.

Rahul Gandhi Extends Support

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also spoke with the protesting students and assured them of support. Student leaders, however, warned that if the Congress fails to pressure the Jharkhand government, it should reconsider its alliance. The BJP dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s outreach as political optics.

CID Questions Former JPSC Chief

As part of the ongoing investigation, former JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte has been questioned four times by the CID. Investigators also raided the in-laws’ residence of alleged mastermind Abhay Tiwari in Giridih. His father-in-law, Vikas Pandey, was detained for questioning, while Tiwari’s two brothers-in-law are reportedly absconding and his wife’s whereabouts remain unknown.

The CID has directed all 2,204 successful candidates of the recruitment examination to submit their carbon OMR sheets by August 7.

AISA to Launch ‘Gen-Z Rising’ March

Adding momentum to the protests, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) is set to organize its ‘Gen-Z Rising’ march on Friday. According to the organization, the rally will begin from Birsa Munda Chowk in Ranchi, further intensifying pressure on the state government over the alleged recruitment scam.