In brief
In Ranchi, India, police fired tear gas shells at a crowd of thousands of students, job aspirants and volunteers who have been demanding reforms to the Jharkhand Public Service Commission’s exam after allegations of leaks and manipulation. The protest, which has been ongoing for more than two weeks, saw injuries on both sides; police claim they used minimal force, while witnesses report a more aggressive response. The movement has drawn support from state opposition parties and the central government, and the state government has agreed to cancel the disputed exam and accepted several demands, though many protesters say a full investigation by the CBI is still required. Amid the crackdown, numbers of protesters remain in a stadium in Ranchi, many sleeping and holding a hunger strike, while political factions rally around the cause.
Police fire tear gas at crowds in Ranchi demanding exam reforms
Police in India fired tear gas shells, water cannons and batons at a massive gathering of students, job seekers and volunteers who have been protesting for changes to the Jharkhand Public Service Commission’s (JPSC) recent civil‑service exam. The demonstrators, who have been rallying near the state's assembly for more than two weeks, reportedly attempt to march into the assembly building after the exam’s results were announced in July with allegations that answer sheets were leaked.
Witnesses and the BBC report that injuries were sustained on both sides. While police claim they used minimal force, media footage shows tear‑gas shells exploding and crowds being dragged away. Three policemen were said to have been injured, and teachers report several civilians report physical injuries.
The protest has attracted political backing from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress, which are in opposition in Jharkhand. State opposition leaders have called for a federal investigation, and the state's chief minister has warned of “vested interests” that could undermine democracy.
After a five‑week long protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which was outside traditional party politics, the Jharkhand government agreed to scrap the disputed exam and accept several demands, including the resignation of several JPSC members. Nevertheless, protesters say their demands for a full CBI investigation into alleged irregularities remain unmet, and the agitation continues in a stadium in Ranchi where many have gone on hunger strike.
Image source: BBC
