The ED probe JPSC exams controversy has intensified as the Enforcement Directorate begins a money-laundering investigation into alleged recruitment examination irregularities, while the Ranchi stir and Assembly march keep pressure on the Jharkhand government.
PMLA Case Opens Over Examination Irregularities
The Enforcement Directorate on Monday, August 10, registered an Enforcement Case Information Report under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to investigate alleged irregularities linked to examinations conducted in Jharkhand. Officials said the agency has begun examining a suspected money trail connected with the examination controversy.
The ED action is based on a case registered by the Jharkhand Police's Criminal Investigation Department and other complaints concerning alleged recruitment examination malpractice. The financial investigation agency is expected to examine whether proceeds of crime were generated or routed through transactions connected with the alleged irregularities. Reports indicate that the agency may also seek custody of accused persons already arrested in the underlying criminal investigation for questioning.
Ranchi Stir Intensifies Over Recruitment Exams
The investigation comes as students and government job aspirants continue their agitation in Ranchi over alleged irregularities involving JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations. The protest entered its 17th day on Monday, with demonstrators demanding stronger action, including a wider investigation into the examination process.
The prolonged agitation has placed mounting pressure on the state government, particularly over demands to cancel examinations that protesters claim were compromised. The Jharkhand government has said that it has accepted around 98 per cent of the protesters' demands, while the aspirants maintain that key issues remain unresolved.
Assembly March Draws Thousands of Aspirants
Thousands of protesters marched towards the Jharkhand Assembly in Ranchi on Monday as part of the continuing agitation. Authorities deployed extensive security along the route, while barricades were erected to prevent demonstrators from approaching the Assembly complex. As protesters advanced, police used water cannons, lathis and tear gas at different points to control the crowd.
The protest coincided with the Assembly session and led to heightened security across the state capital. Demonstrators continued raising demands for transparency and accountability in recruitment examinations despite several rounds of discussions between student representatives and the government failing to completely resolve the dispute.
Devendra Mahto Joins Protest March
Student leader and Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha figure Devendra Nath Mahto joined the protesters during the Assembly march after continuing an indefinite hunger strike over the examination issue. He urged participants to keep the agitation peaceful while criticising the government for what protesters describe as inadequate action on their demands.
Mahto's participation has become a prominent part of the wider student movement, which has brought together aspirants demanding fair recruitment procedures, investigation of alleged malpractice and action against those responsible for irregularities.
Exam Demands Keep Government Under Pressure
The Jharkhand government has held multiple rounds of talks with protesting aspirants and has announced measures aimed at addressing their concerns. Reports also indicate that the state decided to recommend an ED investigation into alleged financial irregularities and proposed a fast-track court to deal with the examination-related cases.
However, the continuing protest shows that the dispute is far from resolved. With the ED now examining the alleged financial trail and the state investigation already resulting in multiple arrests, scrutiny of Jharkhand's recruitment system is likely to remain intense as students continue demanding greater transparency and accountability.
