Jharkhand: Three FIRs against over 900 in student-police clashes
Three first information reports (FIRs) have been registered against 28 named individuals and more than 900 unidentified persons in connection with clashes between police and protesting job aspirants in Jharkhand’s Giridih and Hazaribag districts, officials said on Sunday.
The development comes a day after three separate FIRs were filed at Ranchi’s Kotwali police station against 14 named and 200 unidentified people for allegedly obstructing government work and clashing with police.
In Giridih, two FIRs were lodged at the Town police station in connection with the clashes that took place on Friday and Saturday. Another FIR was registered in Hazaribag for alleged obstruction of government work and assault on police personnel, the officials said.
On Friday, thousands of students gathered at Gandhi Maidan in Giridih to protest against alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand recruitment examinations. The protesters reportedly attempted to burn an effigy of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, following which a scuffle broke out between the crowd and the police.
The protesters, many of whom are aspirants for government jobs, have been demanding a probe into the recruitment process and action against officials responsible for the alleged irregularities. The demonstrations have continued across the state, with similar incidents reported in other districts.
Police officials said that the FIRs have been filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges of unlawful assembly, rioting, assault on public servants, and obstructing government work. They added that investigations are underway to identify the unnamed accused and that further action will be taken based on evidence.
Efforts to reach student body representatives for comment were unsuccessful. The authorities have urged the protesters to maintain peace and follow legal channels to address their grievances.
The clashes have raised concerns about the handling of public demonstrations and the safety of both protesters and police personnel. Earlier, an editorial in The Hindu had called for answers regarding the student protests in Jharkhand, highlighting the need for transparency in the recruitment process and accountability in law enforcement.
