Ranchi: Normal life in parts of Jharkhand was disrupted on Tuesday after a BJP-called bandh and parallel demonstrations linked to a sustained student agitation, officials and participants said. The protest, now in its 18th day, centres on allegations of irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations.
Detentions and attempts to march in Ranchi
Police in Ranchi detained more than 200 ABVP workers, including senior office-bearers, who tried to march from the Old Vidhan Sabha towards the New Vidhan Sabha, according to official accounts. Those taken into custody were reportedly held at a camp jail in Khelgaon after being stopped by security personnel.
Authorities said the march was prevented to maintain law and order near the Assembly precincts. The state administration did not immediately release detailed custody lists by name; police sources said action was taken to avert possible escalation in a sensitive zone.
Student demands and hunger strikes continue
Students at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi continued to press for the cancellation of the disputed examinations, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and structural reforms in the recruitment process. Several protesters remained on hunger strike.
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto was admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital in connection with his continuing fast. Hospital authorities confirmed his admission but did not provide clinical details. Mahto, according to protest organisers, has maintained that his fast will continue until the students' demands are addressed.
Bandh activity across districts
Besides Ranchi, BJP workers staged protests and road blockades in districts including Giridih and Ramgarh. Party activists said the bandh was called to register their protest against what they described as the lathi-charge on students during an Assembly march the previous day.
- Ranchi: Over 200 ABVP workers detained and held at Khelgaon camp jail.
- Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium: Student agitation entered 18th day; hunger strikes continue.
- Giridih, Ramgarh: Road blockades and demonstrations by BJP workers.
Political fallout and calls for accountability
The developments have intensified political confrontation in the state. Opposition parties and student organisations have demanded accountability for the police action against those attempting to march to the new Vidhan Sabha, while reiterating calls for an independent probe into alleged examination irregularities.
The BJP, which called the bandh, framed the demonstrations as a response to the reported police action against students. Party spokesmen said the bandh was a democratic means of protest. The state government has so far limited public comment to appeals for peace and assurances that investigations into the examination allegations will be conducted through appropriate channels.
Impact on public services and commuters
Commuters and daily-wage earners reported interruptions in routine activities in parts of the state during the bandh. Public transport services experienced delays in some areas where road blockades were erected. Local business associations said shops in affected neighbourhoods closed early in response to the call for a bandh.
What authorities say and next steps
Police sources indicated that detentions were primarily preventive and intended to avoid confrontation near legislative premises. The administration has urged all groups to preserve the peaceful nature of protests and to use lawful channels for grievances.
Student leaders said they plan to maintain a peaceful and democratic movement despite the police action. Among their core demands are:
- Cancellation of the disputed JPSC and JSSC examinations;
- A CBI probe into alleged irregularities;
- Comprehensive reforms of the recruitment process.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration of agitation | 18 days |
| Reported detentions (Ranchi) | 200+ ABVP workers |
| Key protest sites | Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium; routes to New Vidhan Sabha |
As the standoff continues, political parties, student bodies and law enforcement officials in Jharkhand face pressure to chart a resolution that addresses procedural concerns over recruitment examinations while safeguarding public order. Further developments are likely to hinge on the course of official inquiries and whether talks between student representatives and the state administration take place.
