Babulal Marandi Criticises Late-Night Administrative Visit to Ranchi Student Protest Venue

Jharkhand Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has strongly criticised a late-night administrative visit to the student protest site at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, where job aspirants have been demonstrating over alleged recruitment examination irregularities for 19 days.

What Happened

Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri and Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ranjan arrived at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium late at night. According to Babulal Marandi, the administration attempted to forcibly disperse the protesting candidates by turning off the electricity, claiming the protest should end because the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination was cancelled. Marandi stated that officials left after BJP leaders reached the location.

Visiting the demonstration on the morning of August 12, 2026, Marandi condemned the state government and the district administration. He demanded an immediate Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities across both JPSC and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations, stating that aspirants no longer have confidence in the ongoing CID inquiry.

Providing the administration’s perspective, DC Bhajantri stated that officials visited to check on the welfare of the agitators and requested three students who were on a hunger strike to take food to avoid health complications. SSP Ranjan urged students to ensure outsiders or anti-social elements do not infiltrate the gathering and suggested verifying people’s identities at night. In response, student leader Kunal Singh stated that identifying outsiders was the responsibility of the police special branch, while also alleging that officials attempted to divide JPSC and JSSC aspirants.

Key Highlights

• The student demonstration over state recruitment exams reached its 19th day at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi.
• Ranchi DC Manjunath Bhajantri and SSP Rakesh Ranjan made a late-night visit to the agitation venue.
• Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi accused officials of trying to force students out by disconnecting power.
• District officials stated their visit was meant to monitor health conditions, specifically concerning three fasting students.
• The opposition leader and protesters reiterated their call for a CBI investigation into JPSC and JSSC examinations.

Why This Matters

The recruitment agitation highlights continuing friction between job aspirants and the Jharkhand administration over state competitive examinations. With opposition leaders supporting the demonstration and rejecting the state CID inquiry, the call for a central agency probe keeps recruitment transparency at the centre of regional political discussions.

What to Watch Next

Key developments to monitor include whether the state government responds to demands for a CBI probe into JPSC and JSSC recruitment, as well as whether the district administration provides basic amenities like electricity, water, and sanitation at the stadium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are students demonstrating in Ranchi?

Job aspirants are protesting at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand state recruitment examinations, including the JPSC and JSSC exams.

What did district officials say regarding their late-night visit?

Ranchi DC Manjunath Bhajantri stated that officials visited to verify if protesters faced difficulties, to urge three fasting students to eat so their health does not deteriorate, and to discuss practical next steps.

What investigation is being demanded by Babulal Marandi?

Babulal Marandi has demanded a CBI investigation into the alleged examination irregularities, stating that students have lost faith in the state CID inquiry.

Source: The Hindu