Jharkhand exam row: BJP demands CBI probe, submits memorandum to Governor

Ranchi — Political tensions intensified in Jharkhand on Tuesday over alleged irregularities and a suspected paper leak in the excise constable recruitment exam, with the Bharatiya Janata Party demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

A senior BJP delegation, led by state president Aditya Sahu and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi, met Governor Santosh Gangwar at Lok Bhavan in Ranchi. The delegation submitted a seven-point memorandum raising serious concerns about the functioning of key recruitment bodies — the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) and the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC).

The party alleged large-scale discrepancies in the examination conducted by JSSC on April 12. It cited a case in Tamar, near Ranchi, where authorities reportedly uncovered a setup in an under-construction building, where candidates were allegedly being coached to memorise answers. Several individuals were detained, and electronic devices such as computers, laptops, and printers were seized from the site.

Calling the incident evidence of an organised “exam mafia”, the BJP questioned the credibility of the entire recruitment process. The exam, held across 370 centres in eight districts for 583 posts, saw participation from nearly 1.48 lakh candidates. The party argued that irregularities at one centre raise the possibility of similar malpractice elsewhere.

The BJP also criticised the JSSC for denying any paper leak despite the reported findings, saying it deepens suspicion. It further pointed to past controversies involving JSSC and JPSC, alleging a pattern of irregularities and lack of accountability.

In its memorandum, the party outlined key demands, including a CBI inquiry, an inter-state investigation into solver gangs, strict action against those involved, justice for affected candidates, greater transparency in recruitment exams, a review of examinations conducted over the past six years, and systemic reforms to prevent future lapses.

Urging immediate intervention, the BJP appealed to the Governor to ensure a fair and transparent investigation, stressing that restoring public trust in the recruitment system is crucial for protecting the interests of aspirants.

With inputs from IANS