Jharkhand Student Protest: Former JPSC Chairperson L Khiangte Arrested by CID Amid CBI Probe Demand

In a major development surrounding alleged recruitment irregularities in Jharkhand, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Monday arrested former Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) chairperson L. Khiangte. The arrest took place in Ranchi amid widespread street demonstrations by JPSC and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) aspirants demanding systemic reforms and a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into state competitive exams.

High-Profile Arrest Following Intensive Interrogation

The action against L. Khiangte, a retired Chief Secretary of Jharkhand who stepped down from his post on July 22, follows weeks of intense scrutiny and multiple rounds of questioning by state investigators. The CID had previously conducted searches at his official residence and office premises, recovering documents and digital evidence related to examination management. JPSC-JSSC Row: LoP Babulal Marandi, BJP Leaders Detained Amid Protests Outside CM's Residence.

Officials confirmed that the arrest forms part of an expanding probe into alleged procedural lapses, manipulation of OMR sheets, and corruption in examinations administered by the state commission. Before his arrest, Khiangte had maintained that he voluntarily resigned to allow an unhindered and impartial probe into the allegations.

Protests Flare Up Outside Jharkhand Assembly

The CID's announcement coincided with escalating protests across Ranchi, where thousands of job aspirants marched toward the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. Security forces deployed water cannons and launched a lathi-charge after demonstrators attempted to breach security barricades near the Assembly area.

Student groups, alongside several youth organizations, have been on an extended strike. Their primary demand is an independent CBI investigation into alleged leaks and malpractices in the JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, as well as broader structural reforms within both JPSC and JSSC. Jharkhand Student Protest: Talks With Govt End, Students Continue Agitation, Press for CBI Probe.

Former JPSC Chairperson L Khiangte Arrested by CID

Mounting Pressure and Broader Administrative Fallout

The controversy has thrown state recruitment agencies into unprecedented turmoil. Prior to Khiangte’s arrest, the CID had already taken 11 individuals into custody, including private agency representatives, middlemen, and lower-level commission staff. Just days earlier, three serving members of the JPSC also submitted their resignations following CID summonses.

Amid growing political debates and continued public outcry, the state administration faces mounting pressure to restore credibility to Jharkhand’s public recruitment framework. The state CID has indicated that further questioning and asset verification are currently underway, with additional enforcement actions likely in the coming days.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 10, 2026 03:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).