Unyielding Protesters in Ranchi: Tensions Rise Following Lathi Charge and Water Cannon Deployment

Jharkhand: A student-led movement in Ranchi has escalated significantly. Candidates for JPSC (Jharkhand Public Service Commission) and JSSC (Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission), along with other students, marched towards the State Assembly demanding strict action against malpractices and paper leaks in recruitment examinations. Around 6,000 to 7,000 participants joined the rally. The situation turned chaotic as protesters breached police barricades and rushed toward the Assembly building. To bring the crowd under control, the police resorted to a lathi charge. Thousands of students from various districts across the state arrived in Ranchi via trains, buses, and other vehicles to join the protest.

The controversy deepened after police used water cannons alongside the lathi charge to disperse the crowd. While water cannons were spraying water, some students continued their protest by dancing in the spray. On the other hand, several individuals sustained severe injuries during the lathi charge. Undeterred by the police action, a few students climbed on top of the barricades to demonstrate, expressing intense anger over recruitment exam paper leaks and irregularities.

Protests Continue Unabated Despite Heavy Rainfall

Heavy downpours broke out while the candidates were protesting, but the crowd refused to disperse and kept demonstrating in the rain. They demanded immediate government intervention and justice. Notably, as August 10 coincided with Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s birthday, the protesters chanted “Happy Birthday to Hemant” right outside the Assembly. The protest was spearheaded by student leader Devendra Nath Mahato.

This marks the second round of discussions held with the government delegation. Regarding specific matters—particularly concerning the 14th JPSC, JPSC Backlog 2023, and JPSC Backlog 2025 examinations—the government has decided to consider canceling all three exams.