Kathmandu— Violent clashes erupted between student protesters and police in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on Monday during a demonstration over alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examinations. Student leader Ravindra Paswan appealed for peaceful protest while urging authorities to identify those attempting to disrupt the movement, as police used tear gas, water cannons, and lathi charges to control the crowd. The protests center on demands for a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities and reforms in the recruitment process.

Protest Leaders Call for Peace

Ravindra Paswan, a key student leader, emphasized the peaceful intent of the majority of protesters while condemning the actions of what he described as anti-social elements attempting to hijack the demonstration. “We are peaceful. Students are adamant about their issues,” Paswan stated, adding that CCTV footage and videos would be reviewed to identify those responsible for any disturbances. He appealed to both the administration to identify disruptors and fellow students to report any suspicious activity within the protest ranks.

Escalating Tensions and Police Response

The situation escalated as protesters attempted to move towards the Jharkhand Assembly, leading to a confrontation with police forces. Authorities responded by deploying tear gas shells, water cannons, and lathi charges in an effort to control the crowd. Reports emerged of injuries on both sides, including a protester displaying marks allegedly sustained during a lathi charge and individuals affected by tear gas. Ranchi City Superintendent of Police (SP) Paras Rana acknowledged that while most students were peaceful, a segment of protesters engaged in aggressive behavior, damaging barricades and even injuring police personnel.

Demands for Investigation and Reform

The ‘Vidhan Sabha Gherao’ march was organized by the JPSC-JSSC Reform Morcha, who are demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities, and broader reforms in the recruitment process. Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto, currently on a nine-day hunger strike, joined the protest march, declaring that the agitation would continue until their demands were met. He criticized the government’s response to the protests, calling the use of force “condemnable” and accusing authorities of attempting to suppress the students' voices.

ED Launches Money Laundering Investigation

Amidst the ongoing protests, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with alleged irregularities in the examinations. This indicates a broadening investigation into potential financial crimes related to the recruitment process.

The situation remains tense as protesters vow to continue their demonstration until their demands are addressed, while authorities urge restraint and peaceful dialogue. The ED’s involvement signals a wider probe into the allegations of corruption.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.