Tensions escalated in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi on Monday as police used water cannons and later lathi-charged students participating in a march towards the Vidhan Sabha. The protesters are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

Thousands of students and job aspirants took part in the protest, carrying national flags and placards highlighting their demands. The demonstrators have been seeking an independent investigation into complaints linked to the 14th JPSC examination and backlog recruitments conducted during 2023-25.

The protest has brought students and the Jharkhand government into a fresh confrontation over how the allegations should be investigated. While the state government has maintained that its Criminal Investigation Department (CID) can conduct an inquiry, protesters have rejected the proposal and are insisting on a CBI investigation.

Students March Towards Assembly

The demonstrators moved towards the Jharkhand Assembly complex as part of the 'Vidhan Sabha gherao' programme. Several protesters held placards carrying messages such as "Cancel JSSC-CGL Exams or Conduct a CBI Probe", "Conduct an impartial investigation" and questions regarding alleged inaction against officials associated with the recruitment process.

According to PTI, police deployed water cannons near Jagannathpur Temple as the protesters advanced towards the Assembly complex. The situation subsequently intensified, with police resorting to a lathi-charge to disperse the demonstrators.

The police action came amid a large gathering of students demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.

Protesters Seek CBI Probe

The central demand of the protesting students is an investigation by the CBI rather than the state CID. They have raised questions over the recruitment process and sought an independent probe into allegations surrounding examinations conducted by JPSC and JSSC.

The government, however, has maintained that the state CID is capable of examining the complaints. The disagreement over the investigating agency has become one of the main points of contention between the two sides.

JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch leader Ravindra Paswan said the protesters would continue their movement until the demand for a CBI investigation was accepted.

"We will not compromise till our demand for a CBI probe is fulfilled," Paswan said, according to PTI.

JLKM Leader Joins Protest

Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto also joined Monday's march despite being on a hunger strike over the issue.

Mahto has reportedly been fasting for nine days and has lost around 10.5 kilograms during the protest. He participated in the march in an ambulance as his health condition deteriorated.

"We are protesting peacefully, and we urge everyone to help us maintain that peace. We are raising the voice of lakhs of students who are fighting for their dreams and careers. My health is failing," Mahto said, according to PTI.

Recruitment Dispute Continues

The dispute comes amid growing concerns among students over recruitment examinations and the handling of complaints related to the selection process.

For many candidates, the issue has become closely linked to employment opportunities and the credibility of government recruitment examinations. Protesters argue that an investigation by an agency outside the state administration would help establish confidence in the process.

The government and student groups remain divided over the way forward, with the protesters continuing to press for a CBI probe.

Monday's confrontation in Ranchi, marked by the use of water cannons and a subsequent lathi-charge, has added another layer to the ongoing dispute. Further developments are expected as student organisations decide their next course of action and the government responds to their demand for an independent investigation.