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Jharkhand Protests Continue as Talks Stall and CID Widens JPSC Inquiry

Protesters are pressing for cancellation of the 14th JPSC exam with an independent probe to force accountability from the state government.

Overview

  • The standoff entered its 15th day on Saturday, August 8, 2026, after two rounds of government talks with different protest delegations failed to end the agitation.
  • Devendra Nath Mahto’s faction kept an indefinite hunger strike and met ministers despite Mahto’s worsening health and doctors advising hospitalisation.
  • The CID investigation has expanded: investigators have arrested 19 people, repeatedly questioned former JPSC chair L. Khiangte, and issued summons to three serving members — Dr Ajita Bhattacharya, Dr Anima Hansda and Dr Jamal Ahmad.
  • The state government has offered continued dialogue and opened a feedback channel at jpsc.jssc.feedback@gmail.com but has not met protesters’ core demand to cancel the 14th JPSC exam.
  • Protesters seek a CBI or retired-judge probe, publication of OMR/response sheets, category-wise cut-offs and a formal recruitment calendar while allied student groups have joined actions and signalled a planned Vidhan Sabha march on August 10.