Protesters March to Jharkhand Assembly; 5 Injured in Clashes
Thousands of students and job seekers from across Jharkhand marched toward the State Assembly in Ranchi on Monday (August 10, 2026). They broke through barricades and reached the Assembly gates as their strike entered its 17th day. The protest was over alleged irregularities in government recruitment exams.
Clashes between police and protesters led to at least five injuries, including one person with a serious head injury. Police used baton charges to disperse the crowd after the march turned chaotic.
The protesters are currently holding a sit-in at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, demanding a resolution of their issues. They want the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) exam canceled and a CBI investigation into the recruitment process.
The march happened after the Jharkland government agreed to cancel three exams, including the preliminary exam for the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission Combined Civil Services.
During the protest, former JPSC chairman L. Khiangte was arrested as part of the investigation. He resigned earlier after the State CID took over the probe. The Enforcement Directorate has also started investigating alleged irregularities in several recruitment exams under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The protest began peacefully around 10:30 a.m., with protesters carrying the Tricolour, placards, and portraits of Bhagat Singh, Ambedkar, and other leaders. They chanted slogans against the government and demanded action. Leader Devendra Nath Mahato joined the march despite being on a hunger strike.
Tension rose after noon as protesters broke through barricades and approached the Assembly building. Police used water cannons, tear gas, and baton charges to disperse them. Protesters threw objects at police, and some students fainted due to heat.
Despite police action, protest leaders said they would continue until their demands were met. The agitation continued into the night with a sit-in near the Assembly complex. Police again used batons to clear the area.
Hundreds of security personnel, including riot-control forces, were deployed in Ranchi during the clashes. Police denied using excessive force and claimed their actions were aimed at controlling the crowd safely.