Ranchi, July 30: The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Thursday asserted that the state government is taking the alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Examination seriously, assuring aspirants that those found guilty would face stringent legal action while deserving candidates would not be allowed to suffer.
Addressing the issue amid continuing protests by JPSC aspirants, JMM Central General Secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey said the investigation is being carried out under the strict directions of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) actively pursuing the case.
“The state government is very serious about the entire matter, and on the strict instructions of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the investigating agencies are working with full seriousness,” Pandey said.
He said the government’s prompt response to complaints over the examination led to the resignation of the then JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte, who is currently being questioned by the CID and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
According to the JMM leader, the CID has intensified its probe after preliminary investigations at the JPSC office reportedly revealed multiple discrepancies. Several arrests have already been made in the case, including that of the Controller of Examinations.
Pandey reiterated that the government would take strict action against all those found responsible for examination malpractices.
“Strict legal action will be taken against every culprit, and the future of any deserving student will not be allowed to be spoiled,” he said.
He further warned that those found guilty would be prosecuted under the state’s stringent anti-examination law.
“Those involved in examination malpractices will be sent behind bars under the state’s strict anti-examination law,” Pandey said.
The controversy erupted after candidates alleged manipulation of OMR sheets and raised questions over the role of a blacklisted outsourcing agency following the declaration of the results of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Test (PT). Since then, aspirants have been staging protests demanding a fair and transparent investigation.
Appealing to the protesting candidates, the JMM leader urged them to continue their agitation peacefully while keeping it free from political influence.
“Students should exercise their democratic right to protest, but they should stay away from politics and submit any concrete evidence of exam fraud directly to the CID for a transparent investigation,” Pandey said.
The remarks come amid heightened political and public scrutiny over the recruitment examination, with the CID continuing its investigation into the alleged irregularities.
