Former JPSC Chairman L Khiangte Arrested Over Exam Irregularities; Clash Erupts During 'Vidhan Sabha' March

Ranchi: Former Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) chairman L Khiangte has been arrested by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) in connection with irregularities in the 14th Civil Services examination conducted by the JPSC. Khiangte, who was also the former Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, had resigned as JPSC chairman on July 22 following protests over the examination irregularities. He was arrested after being questioned several times.

Meanwhile, three JPSC members resigned on Sunday amid the protests against irregularities in the JPSC examination. Dr Ajita Bhattacharya, Dr Anima Hansda and Dr Jamal Ahmed submitted their resignations. The student agitation against the examination irregularities continues to intensify.

Multiple rounds of talks between the state government and protest leaders have so far failed to end the impasse. While the administration claimed it had accepted 98 percent of the demonstrators' demands after the latest round of discussions, protesters disputed this, pointing out that of the 13 examinations they want annulled, only three have actually been cancelled so far.

Ravindra Paswan of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch made clear the protest would continue unabated until the government agrees to a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities.

Meanwhile, Job aspirants in large numbers took to the streets of Ranchi on Monday, launching a march toward the state assembly to press their demands over malpractice in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations, as the agitation stretched into its 17th day.

While marching towards the Vidan Sabha, the protesters breached multiple barricades along the way. Protesters carried tricolours and flowers. It has been reported that police used water cannons on protesters. It has been reported that a fresh clash broke out between student protesters and police during the 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' march, with police firing tear gas shells to control the crowd.

Several students have also been arriving in Jharkhand to extend their support to the protesting candidates.

CJP had earlier extended its support to the students fighting against the examination irregularities. CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke also extended his support and announced that he would visit the protest venue.