RANCHI, JHARKHAND – L Khiangte, the former chairperson of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), was arrested on Monday in connection with alleged irregularities surrounding recruitment examinations. The 1988-batch IAS officer's arrest by the state CID follows four rounds of questioning since July 28, intensifying an ongoing controversy that has seen widespread student protests across Jharkhand.
Khiangte's Arrest and Investigation Details
Additional Director General (CID) Manoj Kaushik confirmed Khiangte's arrest, stating, "We have arrested former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte in connection with irregularities in recruitment examinations." Khiangte, who had been appointed to the JPSC post in February last year after retiring as Jharkhand's chief secretary, resigned on July 22. His resignation came just a day before CID searches were conducted at multiple locations, including his official residence, as part of the deepening investigation.
With Khiangte's apprehension, the total number of individuals arrested by the CID in this high-profile case has reached 20. The ongoing probe continues to uncover layers of alleged misconduct in the state's public service recruitment process.
Student Protests Escalate, Leaders Issue Warnings
The news of Khiangte's arrest further galvanized protesting JPSC and JSSC aspirants, who marched towards the Jharkhand Assembly on Monday. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato, who has been on a hunger strike for nine days, joined the demonstration on a stretcher, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
"This agitation is not going to stop. This has become a mass movement," Mahato declared, condemning alleged police use of water cannons and tear gas against the demonstrators. He added, "You can see the pain of students in this Vidhan Sabha march. Even after 9 days of my hunger strike, I came here in an ambulance, and I am part of this march on a stretcher. But this Govt is crushing our voice, and using water cannon and tear gas shells. This is condemnable."
Mahato issued a stark warning to the government, stating, "If students' demands are not met, the CM post will be under threat. Govt will be shaken; this agitation is not going to stop. This has become a mass movement." His remarks underscore the growing political pressure on the state administration to address the students' grievances effectively.
JPSC Members Resign Amid Scrutiny
Adding to the turmoil, three members of the JPSC – Ajeeta Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda, and Jamal Ahmad – submitted their resignations on Sunday. Their resignations came shortly after the CID issued summons for their questioning. Bhattacharya is scheduled for questioning on August 10, Ahmad on August 12, and Hansda on August 14. All three were appointed as JPSC members in September 2021. Notably, Bhattacharya is identified as the wife of JMM leader Supriyo Bhattacharya, potentially adding a political dimension to the resignations and ongoing investigation.