The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a money-laundering case to investigate alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examinations, as protests and an indefinite hunger strike in Ranchi against them entered the 17th day on Monday, people familiar with the matter said.
What Happened
The federal financial crimes probe agency’s case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) stems from the Jharkhand Police’s first information report. Most Ranchi schools were closed. The authorities imposed prohibitory orders and deployed over 1,500 Rapid Action Force, Indian Reserve Battalion, police and Quick Reaction Team personnel along the four-km stretch of the march.
Officials said the ED may take custody of those arrested in the case and interrogate them.
Investigation and Response
All three JPSC members, Ajeeta Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda and Jamal Ahmad, resigned on Sunday after the Jharkhand Police’s Criminal Investigation Department summoned them for questioning over alleged irregularities, including paper leaks. The demonstrators are demanding JPSC and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission reforms, cancellation of recruitment tests, including the 14th Jharkhand Civil Services Examination, and an independent probe into the alleged irregularities. The protesters are insisting on a probe by the federal Central Bureau of Investigation or by a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state.
