Administrator
25 August 2026
*Representational image
The fallout from clashes between protesting job aspirants and police in Jharkhand is widening, with three FIRs against 39 named and more than 900 unnamed people in Giridih and Hazaribag.
The cases follow confrontations during protests over alleged irregularities in the state’s recruitment examinations. The development adds a new dimension to an agitation that has already moved from examination reforms and court proceedings to street protests and clashes.
Hazaribag: 18 Named, 700 Unnamed
At Korra police station in Hazaribag, an FIR names 18 people and more than 700 unidentified persons over the August 21 protest, during which demonstrators attempted to burn an effigy of Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Police have alleged obstruction of government work, assault on personnel and unlawful assembly. Eight police personnel, including four sub-inspectors, were reported injured. Police said no arrests or detentions had been made so far and that CCTV and video footage were being examined to identify those responsible.
Giridih: Two FIRs, 21 Named
Two FIRs were registered at Giridih Town police station over clashes on Friday and Saturday. One names 11 people, including JMM district president Sanjay Singh, along with 20 unidentified persons. The second names around 10 people and 200 unidentified persons. Police alleged attempts to disrupt traffic at five locations, confrontation with police during the effigy-burning protest and abusive language against the Chief Minister.
Ranchi Cases Already Filed
The latest FIRs follow three cases registered in Ranchi, naming 14 people and more than 200 unidentified persons over allegations of obstructing government work and clashing with police. Student leaders, however, have alleged harassment and questioned the inclusion of some individuals in FIRs at different locations.
The recruitment dispute therefore continues to widen: what began as a demand for clean examinations is now also becoming a test of how the state handles protest, accountability and dissent.
