Jharkhand Protests: CID Raids JSSC Office as Talks Resume, 6 on Hunger Strike

Ranchi: The Jharkhand Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday conducted a raid at the office of the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) even as negotiations between the state government and protesting candidates resumed. The development comes on the 24th day of the agitation, with six protesters continuing their hunger strike.

The raid is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the conduct of competitive examinations in the state. Official sources said the CID team visited the JSSC office to examine records and gather evidence related to the recruitment process. The scope of the investigation, however, has not been officially disclosed.

The protests, led by candidates aspiring for government jobs, erupted after the state government decided to cancel the 14th JPSC (Jharkhand Public Service Commission) examination and several backlog recruitment exams. The candidates have been demanding a fair and transparent re-examination process, as well as action against those responsible for alleged paper leaks and administrative lapses.

Talks between the protestors' representatives and a committee formed by the state government resumed on Tuesday afternoon. Earlier rounds of discussions had failed to break the impasse. The six protesters on hunger strike are reportedly in stable condition, though medical teams have been stationed at the protest site to monitor their health.

Authorities have urged the protesters to end the hunger strike, citing health risks. Meanwhile, the demonstrators have asserted that they will continue their fast until their demands are met, including a time-bound schedule for fresh examinations and an impartial inquiry into the cancellations.

Political reactions have varied, with opposition parties criticising the state administration for what they call a delayed response, while ruling party leaders have defended the government's actions as legally sound and necessary to ensure merit-based selection.

Legal experts point out that the cancellation of examinations is a significant step, and the CID investigation could determine whether systemic flaws or criminal acts led to the current situation. The government has maintained that its priority is to protect the integrity of the recruitment process and the interests of honest candidates.

As the standoff continues, everyday life in parts of Ranchi has been affected, with traffic diversions and heightened security around government buildings. The protest site remains peaceful, but tension persists as both sides await a breakthrough in negotiations.

This report will be updated as more information becomes available.