JPSC Exam Row: ED Registers ECIR As Students Plan 'Assembly Gherao' in Ranchi Today, Security Tightened

Ranchi: The ongoing controversy regarding alleged irregularities and rigging in competitive examinations in Jharkhand has now reached a major political and administrative turning point. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has formally entered the investigation of the rigging in JPSC 14th Preliminary Examination and JSSC CGL examination.

What did the ED say?

ED has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) based on FIR number 16/26 registered in CID. Now the scope of investigation is not limited to irregularities in the examination process but has expanded to the financial transactions and suspicious money trail related to this entire episode.

According to sources, the ED may soon file a separate ECIR in the JPSC as well as the JSSC CGL exam case. It's worth noting that separate cases have been filed with the CID and the Ranchi police regarding the CGL exam rigging.

How many people are arrested?

So far, 19 people have been arrested in connection with the JPSC PT exam scam. The state CID is conducting a thorough investigation, and the commission's former chairman, L. Khiangte, has been questioned four times at length. Now, with the ED's involvement, it's believed that the major syndicates and financial masterminds behind the scenes will be targeted.

Meanwhile, to avert a potential violent student protest and a siege of the Assembly, the state government held several rounds of talks with student representatives over the past three days.

What did the government say?

Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu, representing the government, stated in a press conference that the government had accepted several key demands of the students.

The government clarified that prompt action has been taken in the 14th JPSC case, with several accused being sent to jail and commission members resigning. The government had decided to send a letter to the CID and the ED itself for an investigation. However, student organizations remained adamant on their demand for a complete cancellation of the JSSC CGL exam and a CBI investigation, leading to a failure of the talks.

What about the protest?

Following the failure of negotiations with the government, angry student organizations have called for 'Vidhan Sabha gherao' on Monday, as part of their previously announced program. Student leaders have clarified that the march will be completely peaceful, and all supporters will gather near the old Assembly building at 10 am. Left-wing student organizations, AISF and AIYF, have also extended their full support, postponing their previously scheduled "Jharkhand Bandh" program and joining the march with the students.

In view of the assembly protest and potential traffic jams, several prestigious schools in Ranchi city have declared a precautionary holiday on Monday, while some have decided to observe a half-day. Schools like Saint Thomas School (Dhurwa), DAV Kapildev, DAV Nageshwar and Bishop Westcott have declared a complete holiday.

What did the administration say?

In view of the possibility of a large student gathering, security arrangements have been tightened in the Assembly complex and surrounding areas. The state government and police administration have strictly instructed officials not to use unnecessary force against any student during the protest and to ensure that no one is harmed. The administration has also appealed to student organizations to register their protests peacefully, while maintaining the dignity of democracy.