Lathi-charge, tear gas and a sea of protesters: Jharkhand anger reaches Assembly

Protesters in Jharkhand faced lathi-charge, tear gas and water cannons as they marched to the Vidhan Sabha to voice their discontent over alleged irregularities in government exams. Former Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) chairperson L Khiangte, along with former Chief Secretary and IAS officer, was among those arrested.

Khiangte had resigned on July 22 after the Crime Investigation Department took over the probe in the case. The student-led protests have been ongoing for two weeks, with thousands of students demanding a CBI probe and the cancellation of the JSSC exam. Despite the government's announcement to cancel the preliminary JPSC examination, students have refused to back down, pushing forward with their march to the Assembly.

Among those participating in Monday's demonstration were Devendra Nath Mahato, who has been on a hunger strike losing 10.5 kg in nine days, and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi. The protests have caused clashes in the area near Jagannathpur Temple on the road to the new Assembly Complex in Ranchi.