RANCHI, August 24: A member of the JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch, Pratima Kumari, has filed a police complaint alleging that she was assaulted, molested and verbally abused during an effigy-burning protest in Ranchi on August 21.
Kumari, who has been participating in protests over alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), approached the Kotwali Police Station along with BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi, Deepak Prakash and Amar Kumar Bauri.
In her complaint, Kumari named eight people as accused and alleged manhandling, molestation, abusive behaviour and death threats during the protest.
The accused named in the complaint include Navin Chanchal, Uttam Yadav, Shahbaaz Malik, Mustaq Alam, Ashutosh Verma alias Sonu Verma, Ankita Verma, Dr Hemlal Kumar Mehta and Ashwini Sharma.
Speaking to reporters, Kumari alleged that the incident took place after students had been protesting for 26 days over the recruitment examination issue.
She claimed that a group of around 40-50 people joined the procession and later attempted to snatch an effigy being carried by the protesters.
Kumari alleged that she was slapped twice on the neck and her scarf was pulled during the incident. She further alleged that abusive remarks were made against her and said she decided to approach the police seeking action.
BJP leader Amar Kumar Bauri alleged that the incident was an attempt to suppress the student movement and accused the state government of undermining democratic protests.
Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi also alleged that JMM workers had attacked student protesters and questioned the police response during the demonstration. He demanded that cases be registered against those responsible for the alleged violence.
Meanwhile, Ranchi Police has registered three FIRs in connection with the August 21 clash and disruption during the effigy-burning march. Police officials said 14 people have been named, while more than 200 unidentified persons have also been booked in the three cases.
Ranchi City DSP KV Raman had earlier said that police used mild force after protesters allegedly violated the route prescribed by the administration.
The recruitment examination dispute has also reached the Jharkhand High Court. During a hearing concerning the cancellation of the Forest Range Officer (FRO) and Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) examinations, the court noted that no appointments had been made in the matter and directed the state government to file a counter-affidavit by September 24.
The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for September 24. Advocates Naveen Kumar and Suraj Verma represented the petitioner, while Advocate General Rohitashya Roy appeared for the Jharkhand government.
