Ranchi: The ongoing protest by students against alleged irregularities in the JPSC (Jharkhand Public Service Commission) and JSSC (Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission) recruitment exams has entered its 20th day. Students are staging a sit-in at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, with six students currently on a hunger strike.

As Independence Day approaches, students expressed their frustration over the government's silence. Protesting student Radhe Kumar stated, "It has been 20 days, but the government is not listening to us. We also want to celebrate Independence Day, but unfortunately, the CM is ignoring our demands."

Key Demands

• Immediate cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination.

• A CBI investigation into the alleged paper leak and exam rigging.

• Direct dialogue with Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

Student Leader "Held Captive" in Hospital

The protesting students have alleged that their leader, Devendranath Mahato, who was severely injured during the assembly march, is being treated like a prisoner at the Sadar Hospital. His team held a press conference expressing concern over his health, stating they are not being allowed to meet him or get medical updates. They demanded his immediate return to the protest site once treated.

Heavy Security and FIRs

Following a recent attempt to gherao (surround) the state assembly, the police have registered an FIR against 500 protesters.

Security has been massively stepped up around the Chief Minister's residence on Kanke Road. The area has been barricaded, and a heavy police force, including district police and over 280 JAP (Jharkhand Armed Police) personnel, has been deployed.

Former CM Raghubar Das Joins the Protest

On Wednesday evening, former Jharkhand CM and BJP leader Raghubar Das visited the protest site to show his solidarity.

"If a CBI probe is not ordered within a week, I will sit on a hunger strike in the name of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. I strongly condemn the pressure tactics used by the Hemant Soren government to break the morale of our youth."

He also warned administrative officers not to interfere with the peaceful protest, reminding them of their duty towards the public.

Midnight Visit by Administration

In a late-night development (around 12:30 AM), DC Manjunath Bhajantri and the SSP visited the stadium to speak with the students. While the administration offered transport for those wishing to return home, the students stood firm, stating that the protest is about the future of all students and will not end until their demands are met.