Ranchi, August 12: Tensions escalated late last night at the protest site in Ranchi, where students were demonstrating against irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC). Reports indicate that police officials attempted to disperse the students under the cover of darkness. However, upon hearing of the police presence, several leaders, including BJP MLA Raj Sinha, arrived at the scene.
The students have been staging their protest near the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. Following a recent assembly march, political and administrative activities were observed at the protest site late last night.
It was reported that discussions took place between officials, student leaders, and politicians at the protest site. They addressed the events that unfolded during the assembly march and the ongoing student movement. Currently, the students remain steadfast at the protest site, continuing to voice their demands.
BJP MLA Raj Sinha spoke to a news agency, stating, “We received information that the administration was trying to intimidate the students and was attempting to clear the protest area at night. We came to see what was happening.”
He emphasized that the administration should not resort to such tactics under the cover of darkness. “If they want to remove the students or take action, they should do so in daylight. Where will the students go at night?”
BJP leader Amar Kumar Bauri accused police officials of forcibly attempting to remove the students. He remarked, “You must understand that doing this at night and trying to intimidate people is completely unacceptable. This is a democratic country, and such behavior is intolerable. We will not allow this to happen.”
Former BJP MLA Bhanu Pratap Shahi criticized the pressure being applied to students, particularly at night, stating that even the British would not have resorted to such tactics. He added that the public should not think the students are alone, as they had millions supporting them. “Pressuring them would be a mistake on the administration’s part,” he warned.
Student leader Rajesh Prasad reported that senior police and administrative officials, including the SSP, SP, and DC, visited the protest site. Initially, they met with students on hunger strike to gather their names and addresses. After discussions, the DC came out to engage with candidates of the JSSC CGL.
Rajesh Prasad asserted that their demand for the cancellation of the JSSC CGL is justified and has a basis, which was prepared by the CID but not submitted to the court. He urged the government to fulfill their demands and present the statements recorded in the CID report.
In contrast, police officials stated they were at the protest site to identify any anti-social elements. City SP Paras Rana explained, “We received information that some unidentified anti-social elements and outsiders were present here, so we came to verify their identities and conduct an investigation. We also came to meet some students.”
CO Shiv Shankar Pandey clarified, “We are here to ensure that no anti-social elements have infiltrated the crowd and that no disturbances occur.” He also mentioned that the police aim to create a profile of the students, including their names and addresses, to help monitor any unwanted elements and assist the district administration in maintaining order.
“Our purpose is to ensure safety at the protest site,” he concluded.
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