Police in India's eastern state of Jharkhand have fired tear gas shells at thousands of protesters demanding reforms to recruitment exams. Students, job seekers, and volunteers have been attempting to reach the state assembly in Ranchi, the capital city, to register their protest.
On Monday, officials stated that many protesters tried to breach police barricades, leading to police using water cannons, batons, and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Ranchi City Superintendent of Police Paras Rana reported that three policemen were injured, though he noted most protesters were peaceful.
The demonstrations have been ongoing for over two weeks, sparked by a preliminary civil service exam held by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) in April. After results were announced in July, candidates alleged that leaked answer sheets on social media suggested some successful applicants answered fewer questions than expected, raising suspicions of manipulation.
The state government has assured students of justice, and Jharkhand's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is investigating the allegations, with more than a dozen arrests made. Following talks on Sunday, the government agreed to cancel the exam in question along with two others, and three JPSC members reportedly resigned. JPSC chairman L Khiangte had stepped down on 22 July and was arrested on Monday after being questioned.
However, protesters state that several demands remain unmet, primarily an investigation into the irregularities by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), India's premier federal investigative agency.