Ex-JPSC Chief Khiangte Arrested As Jharkhand Protests Intensify Over Recruitment Exam Row

The Jharkhand Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Monday arrested former Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) chairperson L Khiangte in connection with alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the state commission. His arrest came amid continuing protests by JPSC aspirants and a day after all three members of the commission resigned over the controversy. Khiangte, who had retired as Jharkhand's chief secretary, was appointed JPSC chairperson in February last year. He resigned from the post on July 22, saying that he had voluntarily stepped down to facilitate an impartial investigation into the allegations surrounding the commission's recruitment examinations.

Additional Director General of CID Manoj Kaushik confirmed Khiangte's arrest and said it was connected to the alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. The former chairperson had already been questioned by the investigating agency four times since July 28 as part of the probe. His arrest brings the number of people detained by the CID in connection with the case to 20. The arrest follows growing anger among aspirants over alleged discrepancies in recruitment tests conducted by the JPSC. Candidates have staged protests demanding action against those responsible and greater transparency in the examination process.

The controversy has placed increased pressure on the commission and the state government to address concerns raised by candidates. The CID's investigation intensified before Khiangte's arrest. A day after he resigned as JPSC chairperson, investigators searched multiple locations linked to the former commission chief, including his official residence. The searches were conducted as part of the probe into alleged irregularities in the recruitment examinations. Khiangte, however, maintained that his resignation was not an admission of wrongdoing.

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He said he had chosen to step down voluntarily to ensure that the investigation could proceed impartially.  The former bureaucrat had served as Jharkhand's chief secretary before taking charge of the constitutional recruitment body. The controversy has also led to a significant change in the composition of the JPSC. All three members of the commission resigned on Sunday amid the protests by aspirants. Their resignations came as pressure mounted over allegations concerning the recruitment tests and calls grew for accountability within the commission.

The investigation is examining alleged irregularities in the examination process and the role of individuals associated with the recruitment system. With 20 people now arrested, the CID's probe has expanded beyond individual complaints and is examining the wider circumstances surrounding the alleged malpractice. The JPSC conducts recruitment examinations for appointments to various government services in Jharkhand, making the integrity of its selection process particularly important for thousands of candidates competing for public-sector positions. Allegations of irregularities can therefore have significant consequences for aspirants who depend on the examinations for career opportunities.

The latest developments are expected to intensify scrutiny of the commission's functioning and the recruitment examinations under investigation. The CID is continuing its probe, while the protests have kept pressure on authorities to establish responsibility and ensure that affected candidates receive a fair resolution. Khiangte's arrest marks the most significant action against a former senior official in the case so far. As the investigation proceeds, authorities will determine the extent of the alleged irregularities and the roles played by those arrested. Further action will depend on evidence gathered during the ongoing CID investigation.

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