Students protesting alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) conducted a peaceful march to the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly building on Monday. During this event, police used force, employing batons, water spray, and tear gas against students who were attempting to surround the building.
The administration defended its actions, describing them as restrained, and accused the demonstrators of throwing stones at the police. Students have been involved in an indefinite protest since July 24, demanding the immediate cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam, ensuring transparency in the recruitment process, and conducting an investigation into alleged CBI violations.
Initially, due to lack of permission and ongoing activities, students were relocated to the Jayaprakash Singh Stadium on July 28. Nevertheless, despite negotiations with the government commission, student organizations marched to the Legislative Assembly on Monday, where demonstrators were subjected to police violence at least three times.
Following criticism of the police actions against the students, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ranchi Manjunath Bhajmantri and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rakesh Ranjan held a joint press conference late Monday evening. They stated that the police exercised extreme restraint and used minimal force only after the lives of officers were threatened by thrown stones.
DC Ranchi Manjunath Bhajmantri stated that 14 police personnel were injured during the clashes. He also reported that one policeman was hit by a stone, and some anti-social elements attempted to provoke the police and officials. The DC emphasized that the police forces maintained composure throughout the protest.
He added that one officer was attacked by a stone, and another was nearly crushed by the crowd, putting his life at risk. This is why moderate force was used to save the officer and restore order.
SSP Rakesh Ranjan clarified that a total of 14 police officers were injured in the violent confrontation. One sustained serious injuries, while others received first aid. The SSP noted that demonstrators attempted to block officials' vehicles and threw items such as shoes and socks at them. The administration announced its intention to identify anti-social elements disrupting public order and take strict legal action against them.
On the other hand, the injured students rejected the police statements, asserting that the police began beating them with batons without any prior warning while they were peacefully seated. An injured student named Shivam reported that over a hundred young people were beaten with batons. The students had been on a hunger strike for the last nine days, awaiting a response from the government, but the police attacked them directly.
In response to a question about a planned closure on Tuesday organized by Jharkhand BJP in support of the students, the DC urged everyone to remain calm. He warned that strict measures would be taken against those who violate law and order. Furthermore, the administration launched a helpline for students traveling from afar to organize transport to bus stations and railway stations.
Amid these events, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also initiated an investigation into alleged irregularities in the JPSC exams, registering an ECIR under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
