Ranchi, Dec 16 (NationPress) Tensions escalated in Ranchi as students protesting against alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination were forcibly dispersed by police near the JSSC office. The demonstration was organized by student groups including the Jharkhand Loktantrik Kranti Morcha (JLKM), who sought to gherao the JSSC office due to claims of rigging in the CGL exam.

In preparation for the protests, state police implemented strict security protocols at significant locations, including Raj Bhavan, the Chief Minister’s Residence, and the Secretariat.

Numerous barricades were erected in the vicinity, and a substantial number of police personnel were stationed around the JSSC premises, effectively transforming it into a high-security area.

At around 1.30 P.M. on Monday, a group of students gathered at Namkum Sadabahar Chowk in Ranchi and attempted to march toward the JSSC's office. However, police intervened, employing lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato and a colleague were detained during the police's actions.

In spite of the ongoing protests, the JSSC has proceeded with the document verification process for candidates who were shortlisted in the CGL exam results. Starting Monday, the verification of certificates for 2,145 successful candidates is slated to conclude by December 20, after which the final list of selected candidates for various government roles will be published.

The CGL examination, conducted on September 21-22 across 823 centres in Jharkhand, aimed to fill approximately 2,000 vacancies within state government departments.

Over 3.04 lakh candidates participated in the test. However, allegations of paper leaks and the presence of repeated questions from previously canceled exams triggered widespread outrage. Students have protested in various cities, including Ranchi and Hazaribagh, to seek justice.

On December 10, students in Hazaribagh blocked the highway for nearly four hours, which led to police lathi-charge to disperse the demonstration. The JSSC had previously constituted a committee to investigate the allegations, which ultimately dismissed claims of irregularities.

Regardless, Chief Minister Hemant Soren recently declared that the allegations will now be investigated by the CID.