Ranchi, April 14 (IANS) Political tensions escalated in Jharkhand on Tuesday following allegations of large-scale irregularities and a suspected paper leak in the recently conducted excise constable examination.

A high-level delegation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) met Governor Santosh Gangwar at Lok Bhavan in Ranchi and submitted a seven-point memorandum, questioning the credibility and functioning of the state’s key recruitment bodies — the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) and the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC).

The BJP delegation was led by state unit chief Aditya Sahu and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and included several party MLAs and senior leaders. In its memorandum, the party demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged irregularities, asserting that only an independent agency could ensure a fair and impartial investigation.

According to the memorandum, serious discrepancies were reported during the excise constable examination conducted by JSSC on April 12, 2026. In Tamar, near Ranchi, authorities uncovered an alleged setup at an under-construction building where candidates were reportedly being coached to memorise answers. Several individuals were detained from the site, and electronic equipment such as computers, printers, and laptops, along with suspicious documents, were seized.

Describing the incident as indicative of a well-organised “exam mafia”, the BJP raised concerns about the integrity of the entire recruitment process. The examination, conducted across 370 centres in eight districts for 583 posts, saw participation from around 1.48 lakh candidates. The party argued that if such malpractice could occur at one centre, the possibility of similar irregularities at other centres cannot be ruled out.

The BJP also questioned the JSSC’s stance, noting that the commission has denied any paper leak despite the reported findings, which, it said, further deepens suspicion. It pointed to past controversies involving JSSC and JPSC examinations, alleging a pattern of irregularities and lack of accountability. The memorandum also claimed that in previous instances, individuals who exposed such issues faced punitive action.

The party’s seven-point charter of demands includes a CBI inquiry, an inter-state investigation into solver gangs, strict action against those involved, justice for affected candidates, enhanced transparency in JPSC examinations, a review of recruitment exams conducted over the past six years, and comprehensive reforms to prevent future lapses.

Urging immediate intervention, the BJP appealed to the Governor to ensure a transparent and unbiased probe, stating that restoring public trust in the recruitment system is essential for safeguarding the interests of aspiring candidates.

–IANS

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