Jharkhand court denies bail to ex-JPSC chief Khiangte in exam irregularity case

The special Criminal Investigation Department (CID) court in Ranchi has denied bail to ex-Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) chairman L Khiangte in connection with an examination irregularity case. Additional judicial commissioner Yogesh Kumar made the decision after reserving judgment earlier in the week. Khiangte was arrested on August 10 following a series of intense interrogations.

The investigation alleges that Khiangte violated open tender rules to award a highly sensitive exam management contract to a company named TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL). The company had previously been blacklisted by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) in 2025. Khiangte's legal team argued that the prosecution lacked concrete evidence, and claimed that multiple raids on his Kanke Road residence yielded no incriminating materials, suggesting his arrest was legally flawed.

However, the prosecution strongly opposed the bail, presenting a detailed case diary highlighting systematic OMR sheet manipulation and administrative compromises. Khiangte's arrest followed the resignation of all three JPSC members amid massive student protests over alleged irregularities in recruitment tests. With Khiangte's arrest, the number of people arrested in the case has increased to 20.

Despite the setback, Khiangte's defense plans to appeal to the High Court. His advocate, Chandana Kumari, expressed disappointment with the ruling and stated they will contest the allegations on superior legal grounds. The rejection of bail leaves Khiangte in judicial custody, as public outrage and student protests continue demanding an independent investigation into the state's examination system and reforms in recruitment agencies.