The Jharkhand Crime Investigation Department has arrested former Jharkhand Public Service Commission chairman L Khiangte in connection with alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.

The development marks a significant escalation in the investigation that has unfolded alongside large student demonstrations demanding the cancellation of disputed examinations and an independent probe.

Khiangte, a former Jharkhand chief secretary, resigned as JPSC chairman on July 22. He maintained at the time that he had stepped down voluntarily to facilitate an impartial investigation.

Blacklisted Company Under Scrutiny

Investigators are examining the process through which Lucknow-based TSR Data Processing Limited reportedly received responsibility for conducting the 14th Combined Civil Services Examination.

The company had previously been blacklisted by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission. Investigators suspect that it was given the JPSC assignment through nomination rather than an open tender.

Whether Khiangte personally approved or facilitated any unlawful decision will be determined by the investigation and subsequent court proceedings.

Before his arrest, he had reportedly been questioned four times since July 28. Searches were also conducted at locations linked to former commission officials and the examination company.

Arrest Count Reaches 20

Khiangte’s arrest reportedly takes the number of people held in the case to 20. Those previously arrested include JPSC employees and personnel associated with the examination-services company.

The arrest does not establish guilt, and the allegations must be tested through evidence and judicial proceedings.

Protest Demands Remain

Students continue to seek action over alleged paper leaks, OMR-sheet irregularities and manipulation in recruitment examinations. Their demands include cancellation of disputed tests, a CBI investigation and structural reforms in JPSC and JSSC.

The arrest addresses the accountability demand partly but does not, by itself, cancel any examination or constitute acceptance of every allegation made by protesters.