Jharkhand: 38 booked in molestation case during protest over recruitment exam irregularities
Ranchi: Police have registered a case against 38 people for allegedly molesting a woman activist during a protest in Ranchi on August 21. The complaint was filed by a member of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, a group protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.
According to police, the case was lodged on Monday at the Kotwali police station. The woman was accompanied by Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) when she filed the complaint.
Kotwali police station officer-in-charge Sanoj Choudhary said eight people have been named in the First Information Report (FIR), while 30 others are unidentified. They have been booked on charges of molestation and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The incident occurred during a procession near Albert Ekka Chowk, where demonstrators were protesting against alleged irregularities in the recruitment examinations. The activist said the demonstration was peaceful and that the group was attempting to burn effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi when they were attacked.
“Around eight known and over 30 unknown persons assaulted and molested me,” the complainant said in her statement to police.
Mr. Marandi, who accompanied the complainant, condemned the incident and alleged that the attack was carried out by “JMM goons” on students who were “democratically raising their voice.” He said the BJP stands with the students and will support their struggle at every level.
The police have not yet made any arrests in connection with the case. Further investigation is underway to identify the unnamed accused and verify the sequence of events.
This incident highlights the tensions surrounding recruitment examinations in Jharkhand, where multiple student groups have been demanding transparency and action against officials responsible for alleged paper leaks and other irregularities. The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch has been vocal in its demands for reforms in the state’s recruitment process.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage from the scene are being examined as part of the investigation, police said. The authorities have urged all parties to maintain peace and allow the legal process to take its course.
The case has drawn political reactions, with the BJP rallying behind the students while the ruling JMM has not yet issued an official response. The police have assured that a thorough and impartial inquiry will be conducted into the allegations.
