BJP Demands CBI Probe Into Jharkhand Excise Constable Exam Row

Ranchi (IANS): Political tensions in Jharkhand escalated on Tuesday as the BJP alleged large-scale irregularities and a suspected paper leak in the recent excise constable examination.

A high-level BJP delegation met Governor Santosh Gangwar at Lok Bhavan to submit a seven-point memorandum. The party questioned the credibility of the state’s primary recruitment bodies—the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) and the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC).

The Call for a CBI Investigation

State unit chief Aditya Sahu and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi led the delegation, which included several MLAs. The party demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, asserting that only an independent federal agency can conduct a fair investigation into the “exam mafia.”

Allegations of Malpractice

The memorandum highlights serious discrepancies reported during the JSSC examination held on April 12, 2026:

• Tamar “Coaching” Center: Authorities discovered an alleged setup in an under-construction building near Ranchi. Candidates were reportedly memorizing answers at the site.

• Seizures: Police detained several individuals and seized computers, printers, laptops, and suspicious documents.

• Scale of Concern: With 1.48 lakh candidates appearing across 370 centers for 583 posts, the BJP argues that malpractice at one center suggests widespread irregularities.

Seven-Point Charter of Demands

The BJP’s memorandum outlines specific actions required to restore the integrity of the recruitment system:

1. CBI Inquiry: A full investigation into the excise constable exam.

2. Inter-state Probe: Crackdown on “solver gangs” operating across state lines.

3. Strict Action: Prosecution of all individuals involved in the scam.

4. Justice for Candidates: Protecting the interests of genuine aspirants.

5. JPSC Transparency: Significant reforms in the functioning of the state public service commission.

6. Six-Year Audit: A comprehensive review of all recruitment exams conducted over the last six years.

7. Systemic Reforms: Implementation of measures to prevent future leaks and lapses.

The BJP also criticized the JSSC for denying the paper leak despite the evidence, labeling the commission’s stance as “suspicious” and pointing to a historical lack of accountability.