Ranchi. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is now investigating the alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examinations. A week ago, the ED filed a case to investigate money laundering in the JPSC examination. During a discussion with the protesting students on August 9th, the Jharkhand government proposed that the entire matter be investigated by the ED. However, the protesting students are adamant that the CBI investigate the irregularities in the JPSC examinations.
The ED is investigating the alleged illegal money transactions in the JPSC examinations and the role of the officials allegedly involved. Consequently, several officials may be implicated in the ED’s investigation in the future. The protesting students are demanding that the Jharkhand government cancel the JPSC-CGL examination. Meanwhile, the state government maintains that the examination was conducted under the supervision of the Jharkhand High Court and the Supreme Court, which is why it cannot cancel it. The Jharkhand government, citing the court-supervised examination, claims that the CBI lacks jurisdiction to investigate.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has assured the protesting students that his government will not spare those involved in rigging the JPSC exams. Meanwhile, during discussions with the students, representatives of his government proposed forming an investigation committee headed by a retired judge to submit a report within 90 days and establishing a fast-track court to prosecute corruption cases. Following allegations of rigging in the JPSC exams and the student protests, L. Khiangte resigned as its chairman. Three JPSC members—Dr. Ajita Bhattacharya, Dr. Anima Hansda, and Dr. Jamal Ahmed—have also resigned. It is believed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will now question these four. The Jharkhand CID, which is investigating the exam irregularities, has already questioned L. Khiangte.