Police in India's Jharkhand state fired tear gas at thousands of students demanding reforms to the government recruitment exam system, after some protesters attempted to breach barricades in the state capital Ranchi.
Authorities in Ranchi deployed tear gas, water cannons and batons on Monday to disperse crowds of students and job seekers attempting to reach the state assembly to protest examination irregularities. The demonstration, which has persisted for over two weeks, centres on alleged manipulation of results in a preliminary civil service exam conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission in April. According to police officials, the majority of protesters remained peaceful, though a smaller group threw stones and broke through police barriers. Ranchi City Superintendent of Police Paras Rana reported that three officers sustained injuries during the confrontation.
The crisis emerged after results announced in July revealed discrepancies suggesting exam papers may have been leaked. Candidates claimed successful applicants had answered significantly fewer questions than expected, prompting investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department. The state government responded by cancelling the disputed exam alongside two others, and three JPSC members resigned. However, protesters continue occupying a Ranchi stadium, with some undertaking hunger strikes, demanding that India's federal Central Bureau of Investigation take over the inquiry into alleged irregularities.
The agitation has attracted backing from multiple political parties, including the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress, which represents the state government coalition. Chief Minister Hemant Soren warned against politicising the protests while pledging action to address justice concerns. This unrest follows similar nationwide demonstrations earlier this year, including the "Cockroach" protests over exam paper leaks that led to the resignation of India's education minister.
