Kathmandu— Following protests over alleged irregularities in state public service commission examinations, officials in Ranchi, Jharkhand, defended the use of force against student demonstrators on Monday. Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri and Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ranjan stated that police exercised restraint but were compelled to act when protesters allegedly threw stones and attempted to harm officers during a march toward the state Legislative Assembly. The students have been demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam, a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities, and broader reforms to the recruitment process.

Protest Origins and Escalation

Students began protesting on July 24th over concerns regarding alleged irregularities in both the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) recruitment examinations. After initially gathering without permission, protesters relocated to Jaipal Singh Stadium following discussions with a state government committee. However, they subsequently called for a siege of the Legislative Assembly, leading to Monday’s confrontation. Authorities had requested the students relocate due to scheduled events including the Durand Cup and Tribal Festival.

Clash at the Assembly

According to officials, protesters refused repeated requests to clear a path, prompting police to use “mild force” to disperse the crowd. Deputy Commissioner Bhajantri claimed that a stone was thrown at a police jawan and another officer was nearly overwhelmed by the crowd, necessitating intervention. Senior Superintendent of Police Ranjan echoed this account, stating that police employed “minimum force” after attempting to reason with protesters throughout the day. He added that some individuals attempted to disrupt traffic and threw objects at officials.

Injuries Reported on Both Sides

Police reported that approximately 14 personnel were injured during the protest march, with one sustaining a major injury and others receiving treatment for minor wounds. Authorities stated they are assessing potential injuries among protesters as well. Injured protester Shivam alleged a sudden lathicharge without warning, claiming “at least a hundred young men” were struck by police batons. He described being hit on the back while other protesters sustained injuries to their chests and arms.

Investigation and Further Action

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an ECIR under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) related to alleged irregularities in the JPSC examinations, signaling a broader investigation into the recruitment process. Deputy Commissioner Bhajantri urged authorities to identify “anti-social elements” allegedly inciting trouble during the protest and indicated police would take further action against them. A helpline number will be released to assist students with transportation home after the protests.

Authorities have appealed for peace following a bandh (strike) called by the Jharkhand Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday, warning that action will be taken against anyone disrupting law and order.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.