The agitation by students over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams escalated, with the police using water cannons and lathi-charging
protesters to prevent a march to the assembly on Monday. Several students, including women, were injured in the police action, while Ranchi SSP said 14 officers suffered injuries in stone pelting. The police resorted to lathi-charge as protesters breached multiple barricades to march towards the assembly, where the Monsoon Session was underway. The cops used water cannons near Jagannathpur Temple and fired several rounds of tear gas. Later, a fresh lathi-charge followed after they crossed the final barricade and reached Gate No 1, where the agitators staged a sit-in. An injured student alleged that at least "hundred young people" were subjected to a lathi charge without any warning. Speaking to ANI about the incident, injured protester Shivam said, "We were sitting outside the Legislative Assembly, waiting for the government (officials or leaders) to come and provide a response, but there was no sign of the government. However, the police arrived, and without any warning or prior exchange of words, they immediately started a lathicharge."
"I was hit on the back. They struck on the chest, and my brother was hit on the arm. There are at least a hundred young people who were subjected to lathicharges. Look at their condition; they are in severe pain in their chests. They have been on a hunger strike for nine days now," he added.
Meanwhile, student leader Ravinder Paswan stated that the protesters were removed forcefully during the march.
A Jharkhand student leader said their protest had continued peacefully and they believed that the government would at least offer some assurance or outcome. He said they waited until 5 pm for a response, and when none came, decided to sit outside the assembly gate and protest peacefully, adding that they would have stayed through the night if needed.
He alleged that force was suddenly used against the protesters, injuring several of them, including women students. The administration, he said, had been largely cooperative earlier in the day but "lost their cool" by evening. He also alleged that media personnel were pushed and shoved during the crackdown.
The student leader said the protesters remained firm on their demands and appealed to the Chief Minister to accept them, calling them logical. He added that their indefinite protest would continue until the Jharkhand government accepts their demands.
