14th JPSC Exam Row: CID arrests five, Governor accepts Chairman’s resignation amid protests
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, July 22: The controversy surrounding the alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, July 22: The controversy surrounding the alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Examination intensified on Wednesday, with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arresting five people and Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar accepting the resignation of JPSC Chairman L.B. Khyangte.
The developments came amid protests by JPSC aspirants and BJP workers outside the commission’s office in Ranchi, where candidates demanded cancellation of the examination results and greater transparency in the recruitment process.
CID arrests five in exam irregularities case
The CID arrested five individuals, including Abhay Tiwari and Shweta Gupta, in connection with the alleged irregularities and malpractice in the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination.
According to officials, the arrests were made on the basis of evidence gathered during the investigation into the case.
The accused are being questioned to determine the extent of the alleged malpractice and identify others who may have been involved. Officials indicated that further arrests are possible as the investigation progresses.
The ongoing probe has also led to the postponement of the JPSC Combined Civil Services Main Examination 2025 and other scheduled examinations until further orders.
Governor accepts JPSC Chairman’s resignation
In a parallel development, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar accepted the resignation of JPSC Chairman L.B. Khyangte.
Following the Governor’s approval, the resignation has been forwarded to the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms through the Chief Secretary for issuance of the formal notification.
In his resignation letter, Khyangte said the Commission had functioned efficiently during his tenure and appreciated the contribution of its staff. However, he said the recent CID raid on the Commission’s office had caused him deep distress.
He stated that he was stepping down to ensure transparency in the functioning of the Commission.
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Candidates breach barricades during protest
Hundreds of JPSC aspirants staged a protest outside the Commission’s office, demanding cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination results, publication of cut-off marks and a fair investigation into the alleged irregularities.
Protesters broke through police barricades and reached the main gate of the JPSC office, where they displayed posters questioning the alleged “rate” of selection in the examination process.
The candidates alleged a lack of transparency in the declaration of results and claimed the recruitment process had raised serious doubts among aspirants.
BJP joins agitation
The protest gathered political overtones as BJP workers also demonstrated outside the JPSC office, demanding Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s resignation over the controversy.
Police erected multiple barricades to prevent protesters from moving towards the Commission’s premises. Security was intensified across the area, with a large deployment of police personnel and administrative officials.
Authorities also kept water cannons and tear gas units on standby to deal with any deterioration in the law and order situation.
Candidates seek transparency
The protesting aspirants demanded cancellation of the examination results, an impartial inquiry into the alleged irregularities and strict action against those found responsible.
Some candidates also questioned the recruitment process, alleging that deserving candidates had been overlooked and calling for the publication of cut-off marks and other selection-related details to ensure transparency.
The controversy has escalated following the arrests made by the CID and the resignation of the JPSC Chairman, placing the Commission’s recruitment process under intense public and political scrutiny. The investigation into the alleged irregularities is continuing.
