RANCHI, Aug. 3: An opinion article has criticised News Pinch founder Abhinav Pandey over his coverage of the ongoing protests against alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) recruitment examinations, alleging that he adopted a markedly different tone compared to his reporting on the NEET paper leak protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
The article, which is an opinion and not an independently verified news report, claims Pandey highlighted the Hemant Soren government’s actions in response to the alleged recruitment irregularities instead of adopting the strongly critical stance that, according to the author, characterised his coverage of the NEET paper leak agitation.
Thousands of students have been protesting in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations, including claims of question paper leaks, tampering of OMR sheets and lack of transparency in the recruitment process.
According to the opinion piece, Pandey’s social media posts focused on measures taken by the Jharkhand government, including the arrest of 11 people linked to the alleged recruitment irregularities, the resignation of the JPSC Chairman, repeated questioning of former JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte, postponement of the 14th JPSC examination and cancellation of the JPSC Mains examination.
“The Hemant Soren government is taking a lesson from Jantar Mantar. Until now, any use of force has been forbidden. Amidst the students’ sit-in protest, several actions have taken place,” Pandey wrote in a social media post cited in the article.
He further stated, “11 people involved in the recruitment irregularity have been arrested. The JPSC Chairman has resigned.”
Pandey also referred to the arrest of a student whose OMR sheet was allegedly leaked, claiming, “The student whose OMR sheet was leaked has been arrested. He is the son of an AJSU leader. AJSU is a constituent party of the NDA.”
At the same time, Pandey questioned why the Jharkhand government had not recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe despite growing demands from protesting students.
“Now the students demand a CBI investigation into the entire matter, while currently, the CID is investigating,” he wrote.
“To restore faith in a collapsed recruitment system, why isn’t Hemant Soren recommending an inquiry? Why is no recruitment in your state able to be completed without controversy?” he added.
The opinion article alleges that News Pinch had strongly amplified the Cockroach Janta Party’s campaign during the Jantar Mantar protests over the NEET paper leak but adopted a comparatively restrained approach while covering the Jharkhand recruitment controversy.
It concludes that Pandey’s reporting reflected “selective outrage” and “agenda-driven journalism,” while alleging inconsistency in his criticism of governments.
The allegations and opinions expressed in the article have not been independently verified. No response from Abhinav Pandey, News Pinch, the Jharkhand government or other parties mentioned was available in the material reviewed.
