Jharkhand Protestors Clash with Police as Tear Gas Blasted on Students

Mon Sep 07 2026 04:56:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Police fire tear gas and water cannons on thousands of students in Ranchi demanding overhaul of the state’s civil service exam system amid claims of irregularities.

In Ranchi, thousands of students, job seekers and volunteers surged toward the state assembly demanding reforms to the civil service exam, leading police to deploy tear gas, water cannons and batons. The protest, lasting over two weeks, is fueled by allegations that leaked answer sheets show winners answered far fewer questions than given, suggesting manipulation. While most demonstrators remain peaceful, a few clashes with officers prompted injuries and arrests. The government has pledged justice and invited a federal investigation, but demands for a central inquiry remain unmet.

Police in Jharkhand fired tear gas shells on protesters demanding reforms to the state’s civil service exam system.

Hundreds of students, job seekers and volunteers gathered in Ranchi’s capital, converging at the state assembly with the aim of registering a protest. The BBC has reported that several demonstrators sustained injuries, although the official count remains unclear.

The agitation has been ongoing for more than two weeks, driven by accusations that leaked answer sheets—shared on social media—revealed that successful candidates answered drastically fewer questions than expected. This has led to accusations of possible result manipulation.

On Monday, many protesters attempted to breach police barricades; police responded with water cannons, batons and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Ranchi City Superintendent of Police Paras Rana told ANI that while bulk of protesters were peaceful, a small faction broke through barriers and threw stones at officers. Three policemen were injured.

Rana stated police had used “minimal force for a very short time” owing to the nature of the participants, appealing for calm and assuring that the government had taken notice of their demands.

The protest follows the larger “cockroach” movement across India, where thousands marched to the national parliament over exam paper leaks in Delhi. Although the government accepted several demands and cancelled three exams, students insist that a federal Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry is still essential.

The Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress parties, both politically opposed to the ruling coalition in Jharkhand, have expressed support for the demonstrators. Chief Minister Hemant Soren warned against politicizing the protest, pledging continued action in pursuit of justice, while promising a full investigation into the alleged irregularities.

Despite concessions, activists remain determined; many have occupied a stadium in Ranchi since July 25, with some engaging in hunger strikes and enduring long hours in the open. Arrests have been made, and investigative bodies, including the state CID and a private company involved in the exam process, are probing the claims that may have influenced the results.