Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Ranchi Police Deny Detention as JPSC-JSSC Hunger Strike Continues
Many young people in Ranchi are upset because they believe government job exams were not fair.
They think the JPSC and JSSC recruitment tests had problems.
So they are sitting together at a big stadium, asking for the test to be cancelled.
They also want a special detective team, the CBI, to investigate.
Two of the students have stopped eating food, called a hunger strike, to show how serious they are.
The police say they only came to talk and check who was at the protest site.
But some students say the police and other officials asked them to stop protesting.
Earlier, during a big march, police used tear gas, water cannons and batons.
Everyone agrees something needs to happen, but they cannot agree on how to fix the problem.
JPSC-JSSC aspirants continued their agitation at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi on the 11th day of the protest, with two students on hunger strike.
Ranchi SP Paras Rana denied that police had come to detain protesters, saying the team arrived to verify identities after a stone-pelting incident.
Student leader Piyush Kumar alleged that the SSP, DSP and DM met hunger-striking protesters and asked them to call off their strike.
Protesters are demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities, and comprehensive recruitment reforms.
On August 10, police used tear gas shells, water cannons and lathicharge during the 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' march; more than 14 police personnel were injured.
JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto marked the 11th day of his hunger strike while hospitalised, though another protester cited the ninth day of the hunger strike.
- Who
- JPSC-JSSC exam aspirants and student leaders, Ranchi police headed by SP Paras Rana, and district administration officials including DC Manjunath Bhajantri.
- What
- A continuing protest and hunger strike over alleged recruitment exam irregularities, amid conflicting claims over whether police arrived to pressure or detain protesters.
- When
- Wednesday, August 12, the 11th day of the protest; the earlier lathicharge occurred on August 10.
- Where
- Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.
- Why
- Protesters allege irregularities in JPSC-JSSC recruitment examinations and demand cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam, a CBI probe and comprehensive recruitment reforms.
Protesters and BJP Supporters
Police and District Administration
Purpose of Police Visit
Protesters and BJP Supporters
Senior officials came to pressure hunger-striking students to call off their protest and used tactics to fragment the movement.
Police and District Administration
Police came only to speak with students, verify identities after stone-pelting, and check on welfare - not to detain anyone.
Use of Force on August 10
Protesters and BJP Supporters
Police used lathicharge and force 'under the cover of darkness' to intimidate peaceful young protesters.
Police and District Administration
Mild force was essential because more than 14 police personnel were injured and an officer had to be rescued after being hit by a stone.
Path Forward on Demands
Protesters and BJP Supporters
Demands must be fully met - cancellation of JSSC-CGL, a CBI probe and reforms - and protesters will persist even if jailed.
Police and District Administration
The administration urges protesters to move toward a practical, implementable next step while offering 24-hour support.
- Protest Day
- 11th day
- Location
- Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, Ranchi, Jharkhand
- Key Demands
- Cancellation of JSSC-CGL exam, CBI probe, comprehensive recruitment reforms
- Hunger Strike
- Two students; JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto on day 11 (hospitalised), another protester cited day 9
- Police Injuries
- More than 14 personnel injured on August 10
- Earlier Incident
- Tear gas, water cannons and lathicharge during 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' march on August 10
- Officials Involved
- SP Paras Rana, DC Manjunath Bhajantri, SSP, DSP, DM, ADM Dhananjay Kumar
- Political Support
- BJP leaders visited the site; NDA MPs marched in Parliament over the Jharkhand issue