Former JPSC Chairman Arrested in Exam Scam Case

Ranchi: The Jharkhand government has taken major action amid growing student protests over alleged irregularities in various competitive examinations in the state. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested former Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) chairman L. Khiangte in connection with the alleged examination malpractice case.

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Khiangte’s arrest is reportedly the 20th arrest made by the CID in the case. Before him, 19 other people, including a deputy examination controller, had been arrested in connection with the alleged irregularities.

Former JPSC Chairman Questioned Multiple Times

L. Khiangte resigned from the post of JPSC chairman on July 22. Following his resignation, the CID began questioning him repeatedly from July 28 as part of its investigation into allegations of paper leaks and other irregularities related to competitive examinations.

The development came amid further changes within the commission. On Sunday, August 9, JPSC members Ajita Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda and Jamal Ahmad also resigned from their posts. Their resignations were accepted by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar.

The CID had reportedly issued summons to all three members for questioning in connection with allegations surrounding the examination process. The three members had been appointed in September 2021.

ED Enters Examination Irregularities Case

While protesting students continue to demand a CBI probe into the alleged examination irregularities, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has now entered the case.

According to officials, the ED has started investigating alleged financial irregularities linked to the JSSC-CGL examination and other recruitment examinations. The probe has reportedly been initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after taking cognisance of the FIR registered by the CID and other complaints related to the case.

The ED investigation is expected to focus on the alleged financial transactions and money trail associated with the examination-related irregularities.

Thousands of Students March Towards Assembly

Meanwhile, thousands of candidates took to the streets on Monday and marched towards the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, intensifying their protest over various demands related to competitive examinations and recruitment processes.

The protesters allegedly broke through several police barricades while attempting to move towards the Assembly. Police used water cannons and baton charges to prevent the protesters from advancing further.

JLKM leader Devendranath Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike for the past nine days, also participated in the protest after arriving at the demonstration site in an ambulance.

The escalating protests, arrests and involvement of multiple investigating agencies have increased pressure on the Jharkhand government as students continue to demand transparency and a thorough investigation into the alleged examination irregularities.

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