Ranchi student protest turns chaotic, ink thrown at AISA chief Neha Bora, youth detained

Tensions rose during a student march in Ranchi on Friday after a youth allegedly threw black ink at All India Students' Association (AISA) president Neha Bora. Police detained the accused shortly after the incident and began questioning him.

The march was organised by students protesting alleged irregularities, including suspected paper leaks, in Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations. The protesters were also demanding wider reforms in the state’s education and recruitment systems.

Thousands of students carrying the national flag and placards had gathered near Birsa Chowk before taking part in the demonstration.

According to eyewitnesses, the youth approached Bora amid the crowd and allegedly threw black ink at her while shouting religious slogans. The incident triggered a commotion at the protest site, with several protesters raising slogans and objecting to the attack.

Police personnel deployed in the area intervened and took the youth into custody.

During preliminary questioning, the detained youth reportedly told police that he considered Bora “anti-national” and alleged that she supported Umar Khalid, who was accused in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots. Police are continuing to verify the circumstances and claims surrounding the incident.

AISA leaders, meanwhile, alleged that individuals linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were behind the attack.

Students warn against political interference

The incident also exposed differences within the broader student movement. Some local aspirants participating in the agitation said they did not want outside organisations or political parties to take control of their campaign.

They maintained that the movement was primarily focused on alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and reforms in the examination system, and warned that political involvement could divert attention from those core demands.

Following the incident, Bora posted photographs on social media showing her face and clothes stained with ink. She said she wore the ink “with pride” and maintained that the incident would not weaken her resolve.

Bora also pointed to her previous participation in protests and said attempts to intimidate her would not deter her from raising issues concerning students.

Security was subsequently strengthened around the Assembly area and along adjoining routes as a precautionary measure.

Police are questioning the detained youth and investigating the circumstances behind the attack, including whether anyone else was involved. Meanwhile, students continue to press for action over the alleged examination irregularities and broader reforms in the recruitment process.

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