Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Jharkhand Students Allege Brutal Lathi Charge During Assembly March
Many students in the state of Jharkhand in India study very hard for exams that help them get government jobs.
They say the exam papers were leaked, which means some people may have seen the questions before the test.
The students think that is unfair, so they want the exam to be cancelled and a big investigation to find out who leaked the papers.
Thousands of students came together in the city of Ranchi to ask the government for help.
They walked to the state Assembly building to share their problem.
The students say they were peaceful, but the police used sticks, called lathis, and water cannons to move them away.
Some students, including girls, say they were hurt.
The students say they will keep protesting until their demands are accepted.
They hope the government will listen and be fair.
Tens of thousands of JPSC and JSSC exam aspirants from all 24 districts of Jharkhand are holding an indefinite protest in Ranchi.
Students demand cancellation of the JSSC CGL examination and a high-level CBI inquiry into recurring paper leaks.
Police used lathis and water cannons during the march to the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly; students allege a heavy, indiscriminate lathi charge.
Student leaders described the march as 'historic' and peaceful, with nearly 50,000 aspirants participating.
Students allege 1,500-2,000 officers surrounded and chased protesters for about 2 kilometres, injuring women students and pushing media personnel.
- Who
- Tens of thousands of JPSC and JSSC exam aspirants from all 24 districts of Jharkhand, represented by student leaders such as Ravinder Pasawan; Jharkhand Police.
- What
- An indefinite protest in Ranchi and an Assembly march during which police used lathis and water cannons; students allege a brutal lathi charge and demand cancellation of the JSSC CGL exam and a CBI inquiry into paper leaks.
- When
- Monday evening, when the lathi charge occurred during the Assembly march; the indefinite protest was continuing at the time of reporting.
- Where
- Ranchi, Jharkhand, India — at Jaipal Singh Stadium and the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly.
- Why
- Alleged irregularities and recurring paper leaks in the JSSC CGL and JPSC examinations; students want the exam cancelled, a CBI probe, and recruitment reforms.
Students / Protesters
Administration / Police
Police force during the march
Students / Protesters
Students say the march was peaceful until evening; they allege 1,500-2,000 officers surrounded them and carried out an indiscriminate lathi charge, injuring women students and pushing media personnel, even chasing protesters about 2 kilometres.
Administration / Police
The administration used lathis and water cannons to control the crowd during the 'Vidhan Sabha gherao' march, after students began sitting on the road outside the Assembly gate with no response to their demands.
Response to demands
Students / Protesters
Students call their demands 'logical' and say the government gave no assurance or outcome despite tens of thousands gathering; their protest will continue until the demands are accepted.
Administration / Police
The state government has not fully accepted the students' demands, according to reports; no specific concession or assurance was announced.
- Location
- Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
- Protesters
- JPSC and JSSC exam aspirants from all 24 districts of Jharkhand
- Reported turnout
- Nearly 50,000 marched (per student leader Piyush)
- Main demands
- Cancel JSSC CGL exam; CBI inquiry into paper leaks; recruitment process reforms
- Police action
- Lathi charge and water cannons during the Assembly march
- Protest site
- Jaipal Singh Stadium, Ranchi (ongoing indefinite protest)
- Alleged police strength
- 1,500-2,000 officers (per student Kundan Kumar Yadav)
- Reported injuries
- Students including women injured; media personnel pushed and shoved (no official count)