A man threw ink at All India Students' Association (AISA) president Neha Bora during a protest march to the Jharkhand Assembly on Friday over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in the state, prompting condemnation from the CPI(ML) Liberation and allegations from both sides.
The man, identified as Amarnath Pandey, was detained by police and was being interrogated at Dhurwa police station. No FIR had been registered so far, as police said they had not received a formal complaint.
"The man has been identified as Amarnath Pandey. He is being interrogated. No FIR has been lodged against him, as we have not received any formal complaint," Hatia DSP Neeraj Kumar told PTI.
The incident occurred near Birsa Chowk when protesters comprising supporters of Left student organisations, including AISA and AISF, were marching towards the Assembly.
Bora said she would not be intimidated by the incident and alleged that the attack was an attempt to suppress the students' movement.
"I am not going to be scared by ink throwing, as I faced pellet-gun firing and baton charge during the Delhi protest. Do they think ink can suppress the anger of students and youth across the country?" she said.
AISA leader Shivani alleged that the man had emerged from the crowd during the peaceful march and described him as a "BJP-aided goon".
The man, while speaking to the media after being detained, claimed that Bora was a supporter of activist Umar Khalid and called her "anti-national".
Bora subsequently alleged that BJP-RSS members were attempting to weaken the students' movement. She also accused the BJP of targeting her because of her participation in the Delhi student protests.
The BJP, however, rejected the allegations and questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident. BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo said the party did not support such acts during protests but claimed that, prima facie, the incident appeared "stage-managed". ABVP media coordinator Satyam Mishra also termed it "sponsored drama", while saying that the organisation did not support such an act.
The CPI(ML) Liberation condemned the incident and demanded strict action against those responsible. Party state secretary Manoj Bhakt alleged that BJP workers were behind the attack and urged the Jharkhand Police to take action.
Students continue protest over alleged exam irregularities
The ink-throwing incident came amid an ongoing student agitation over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
The protest, which began under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, has continued for around two weeks at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi. The students have been demanding cancellation of examinations allegedly conducted by the TDPL agency, an inquiry into the process and a fresh examination schedule.
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato has been on an indefinite hunger strike in support of the demands. Several other protesters have also joined the hunger strike.
Earlier, Bora visited the protest site at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium and extended her support to the agitating students. She urged the Jharkhand government to address their demands, hold talks with the protesters and ensure medical care for those on hunger strike.
"I support the students protesting at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, demanding cancellation of the JPSC and JSSC CGL exams over alleged large-scale irregularities, scams and corruption, and an immediate re-examination schedule," Bora said.
Second round of talks between students and government underway
Meanwhile, the second round of talks between the JPSC-JSSC Aspirant Nyay Manch and the Jharkhand government is underway at the State Guest House in Ranchi.
An eight-member student delegation is holding discussions with a government-appointed delegation on the demands raised by the protesting aspirants.
The student delegation comprises Chandan Kumar, Deenbandhu Mandal, Ravi Shankar, Prem Kumar, Pooja Kumari, Ramavatar Mahato, Bimal Kumar and Amit Kumar Sharma.
Mahato, who has been leading the agitation at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, said the students were seeking concrete action from the government rather than assurances.
"Our demand is that all examinations conducted by the TDPL agency be cancelled and an inquiry be conducted," he said.
Student leader Ramavatar Mahato also demanded the immediate cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination and all examinations conducted by TDPL.
Another student leader, Prem Nayak, said the protesters wanted the discussions to be held openly and expressed concern over what he described as previous delays by the government.
First round of talks ends without final agreement
The second round of discussions follows a formal meeting between the government and protesting students held at the State Guest House in Morabadi on Friday evening.
The first round of talks lasted around one-and-a-half hours and concluded at 9:25 p.m. Although student representatives described the discussions as positive, no final agreement was reached.
A five-member government delegation and a 10-member student delegation participated in the first meeting. Four state ministers — Chamara Linda, Sudibya Kumar Sonu, Deepika Pandey Singh and Sanjay Prasad Yadav — attended along with Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh.
The students have maintained that the agitation will continue until the government takes concrete steps to address their demands.
As the second round of talks continues, attention is now focused on whether the two sides can reach common ground and end the prolonged protest by JPSC-JSSC aspirants in Ranchi.
