Government shielding those responsible in JPSC case, alleges Raghubar Das

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has raised serious questions over the state government's handling of cases related to the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), alleging that the investigation is being reduced to a mere formality and that attempts are being made to protect influential individuals.

Das alleged that while government officials were being questioned as part of the probe, people linked to the ruling establishment and other influential figures were being kept out of the investigation. He also accused the government of going back on assurances given to students following their protests over irregularities in the recruitment process.

The former Chief Minister referred to the CID investigation involving former JPSC chairman L. Khiangte and his personal assistant, saying they were being questioned. At the same time, he questioned why the commission's then members Ajita Bhattacharya, Jamal Ahmad and Anima Hansda were not being questioned despite allegations that their personal assistants had allegedly sought or received up to Rs 15 lakh to influence interviews.

Das said these members were part of the commission during the 11th to 13th JPSC examinations, a period during which the commission also saw changes in its chairmanship. He questioned how the investigation could be considered complete without recording the statements of all those who were part of the commission during the period under scrutiny.

He further claimed that differences between former JPSC chairperson Neelima Kerketta and commission members had contributed to the delay in the release of the results of the 11th to 13th JPSC main examinations.

Government backtracking on its own commitments

Das alleged that the state government had promised on August 17, 2026, to facilitate the setting up of a fast-track court for cases related to irregularities and misconduct in the JPSC and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

He referred to a letter issued by the Cabinet Secretariat and Vigilance Department (Coordination), which stated that the High Court would be approached for the constitution of a fast-track court to hear such cases. However, he alleged that no concrete progress had been made on the matter.

He also pointed to the government's announcement of a committee to conduct a comprehensive study of examination reforms in the JPSC and JSSC. According to Das, the committee was supposed to submit its report within two months, but it has not held even a single meeting so far.

He said the delay raised questions over the government's seriousness about protecting the future of students and ensuring transparency in recruitment examinations.

‘Probe being restricted to protect certain people’

Das further alleged that the scope of the investigation was being deliberately restricted to prevent it from reaching people in influential positions.

Citing the case of Ravi Kumar, who reportedly secured 40th rank in the 11th to 13th JPSC examination, Das claimed that documents showed FIRs against him in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana and alleged that he had been described as a key member of a solver gang. He also referred to claims that a reward had been announced for him and that he was currently out on anticipatory bail.

He also mentioned the reported 37th rank secured by Vicky from Haryana and alleged links between Vicky, Ravi Kumar and Dinesh Prajapati. Das questioned why the CID was not investigating these matters if such serious allegations and documents existed.

He further referred to media reports that 418 candidates from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana had qualified in the 14th JPSC examination and questioned why the matter had not been investigated.

“Whom does the government want to protect?” he asked.

Calls for CBI probe

Das said the interests and future of students should not be compromised in cases involving the JPSC and JSSC. He demanded a CBI investigation into the entire matter, arguing that an independent probe was necessary to remove doubts over the impartiality of the investigation and identify those actually responsible.

“The government should stop playing with the future of students and ensure a transparent and impartial investigation into the JPSC case. No guilty person should receive political protection,” Das said.

The allegations made by Das could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate response from the state government to the charges.