Jharkhand Police have registered a case against nearly 600 people following a protest march towards the state Assembly in Ranchi. The FIR reportedly names around 100 individuals, while nearly 500 other students and protesters have been booked without being identified by name.
The police action comes amid a prolonged student movement over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted in the state. Protesters associated with the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch have been demanding changes in the examination system, cancellation of certain examinations and an independent investigation into the allegations.
The agitation intensified after protesters attempted to march towards the Assembly. Security forces intervened to stop the demonstrators, using measures including batons, water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. The incident has since become a major political issue in the state.
The protesters have demanded that the alleged irregularities be investigated either by the Central Bureau of Investigation or by a committee headed by retired judges from outside Jharkhand. They have also called for greater transparency in the recruitment process and reforms to prevent similar controversies in future examinations.
The BJP has strongly criticised the government's handling of the protest and has accused the administration of using force against students. The party has also announced a statewide bandh over the issue. The Congress, however, has rejected the allegations and accused the BJP of attempting to turn the students' agitation into a political campaign.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has also extended support to the protesters' demand for an independent investigation. He has warned that he would undertake a hunger strike if the state government failed to recommend a CBI probe within the stipulated period.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has separately announced plans for demonstrations at universities across the country in support of the Jharkhand students. The organisation has also questioned the functioning of the state-appointed Special Investigation Team, arguing that an independent probe would be more credible.
The prolonged protest has also raised concerns over the health of some demonstrators. JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who had been on hunger strike, was reportedly admitted for medical treatment after his condition worsened. Several other students participating in the hunger strike have also required medical attention.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has maintained that his government is willing to address concerns surrounding the recruitment process. He has said that the 14th JPSC examination would be cancelled, while accusing the BJP of exploiting the students' grievances for political purposes.
