JPSC-JSSC Probe: CID raids Palamu to arrest two teachers, questions ex-JPSC member
THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK Ranchi/Palamu, August 12: The investigation into alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations intensified on Wednesday, with the…
THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Ranchi/Palamu, August 12: The investigation into alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations intensified on Wednesday, with the CID conducting raids in Palamu to arrest two teachers allegedly linked to the case and questioning former JPSC member Dr Jamal Ahmed at its headquarters in Ranchi.
The developments came amid widening investigations into the alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination and growing police action following the recent student protests in Ranchi.
CID Raids Palamu to Arrest Two Teachers
A CID team investigating the alleged examination irregularities conducted searches at the residences and suspected hideouts of two teachers in Palamu on Wednesday. The team was armed with arrest warrants and was accompanied by personnel from Palamu Police.
However, the two teachers were not found at their respective residences.
The accused have been identified as Santosh Kumar Singh, a government teacher from the Naudiha Bazar area, and Ravishankar Kumar, a teacher from Hanuman Nagar in Medininagar.
The CID and Palamu Police had earlier raided their premises on August 3. During those searches, investigators reportedly recovered several electronic devices and documents considered relevant to the ongoing probe.
On Wednesday, the CID team returned to the locations with arrest warrants. It also searched Santosh Kumar Singh’s residence in Hamidganj, under the Medininagar Town police station area, but he was not present.
Medininagar Town SHO Jyotilal Rajwar confirmed the operation and said the search for both teachers was continuing. Police and CID teams are conducting raids at their suspected hideouts, with Palamu Police providing logistical support to the investigating agency.
Investigators are examining the alleged roles of the two teachers in connection with the JPSC-JSSC examination irregularities. Further action is expected after the electronic devices and documents recovered during the searches are examined.
Former JPSC Member Jamal Ahmed Questioned
Meanwhile, the investigation into alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination has reached the commission’s members.
Former JPSC member Dr Jamal Ahmed appeared at the CID headquarters in Ranchi on Wednesday and was questioned by investigators about matters related to the examination. Ahmed resigned from the JPSC last Sunday.
The CID has also summoned JPSC members Dr Ajita Bhattacharya and Dr Anima Hansda for questioning. The three members are being questioned separately to gather information about the examination process, decisions taken by the commission and the sequence of events surrounding the examination.
The CID had questioned Dr Ajita Bhattacharya on Monday.
Earlier, JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte was questioned by the agency for several days. He was subsequently arrested by the CID and sent to judicial custody.
FIR Against Protesters Over Assembly Siege
Meanwhile, police have intensified action following the clash between students and security personnel during the attempted siege of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly in Ranchi.
An FIR has reportedly been registered against around 100 named individuals and 500 unidentified persons. Police have alleged that protesters obstructed official duties, scuffled with and assaulted police personnel and resorted to stone-pelting.
Several police personnel were reportedly injured during the incident. The case includes charges relating to obstruction of official work, alleged abusive behaviour towards police personnel and other offences.
FIR Over August 8 ABVP March
In another development, an FIR has been registered at Lalpur police station in connection with the August 8 march organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Jharkhand.
The complaint was filed by Dr Tanveer Akhtar, Senior Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Officer (in-charge) posted at Piska More. He had been deployed as a magistrate at Morhabadi Ground following directions from the Sadar Sub-Divisional Office.
According to the complaint, the march was stopped near the Ranchi Gate of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University. Heavy rain began during the protest, after which some protesters allegedly attempted to breach bamboo barricades and move forward.
The protesters were subsequently stopped near Sidhu-Kanhu More. Police have alleged that while some protesters were being transported in a government vehicle, a few individuals climbed onto the vehicle in an attempt to prevent it from moving.
The complaint further alleges that protesters used abusive language and obstructed police personnel from carrying out their duties. After around half an hour, the remaining protesters reportedly dispersed while raising slogans.
BJP Leaders Detained During CM Residence Protest
Earlier on Monday, around 102 BJP leaders and workers were detained during a protest aimed at laying siege to the Chief Minister’s residence.
According to police, all of them were subsequently released on personal recognisance (PR) bonds. Police said no FIR had been registered against the BJP leaders so far.
The police investigation into the various incidents linked to the student agitation and political protests is continuing, with further action expected based on evidence gathered during the probe.
