Jharkhand Public Service Commission exam controversy sparks CID raids and protests

On July 22, hundreds of BJP Youth Front and BJP workers gathered in Ranchi, surrounding the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) headquarters. They demanded the immediate cancellation of the 14th Joint Civil Service preliminary exam (PT) results, alleging irregularities such as the absence of cut‑off marks, unsigned merit lists and lack of OMR sheets.

The state government referred the matter to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The CID subsequently raided eight locations, including JPSC offices and the exam‑conducting agency TDP L, detaining eight officials—among them a JPSC exam controller and senior TDP L executives. Officers seized computers, servers, hard drives and other digital equipment to investigate possible data tampering. TDP L had previously been blacklisted by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission for earlier misconduct.

Protest leaders warned of larger demonstrations if their demands are not met, while the government pledged strict action against any wrongdoing.