Ranchi, August 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Jharkhand Police have registered an FIR against 600 protesters in connection with the violence and unrest during the Assembly gherao in Ranchi on August 10, officials said on Thursday.
The case names 100 people as accused, while 500 unidentified protesters have also been booked. The FIR, registered at the Assembly Police Station, includes allegations of breaking police barricades, misbehaving with and manhandling security personnel, obstructing government work and pelting stones at security forces.
Police said a large number of students and other protesters had gathered for the demonstration. While most of the participants remained peaceful, officials alleged that around 10 per cent of the crowd became aggressive and escalated the situation. Police also claimed that some outsiders arrived at the protest venue in vehicles and attempted to intensify the unrest.
More than 14 police and security personnel were reportedly injured in the clashes and stone-pelting. Police used tear gas, water cannons and lathi charge to bring the situation under control.
Investigators are examining video recordings, CCTV footage and drone footage to identify the unidentified accused. Facial recognition and artificial intelligence-based tools may also be used if required.
The protest is part of a 20-day-old student agitation over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The protesters have also been demanding a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities.
The August 10 Assembly gherao was organised as part of the ongoing agitation. Meanwhile, the Ranchi district administration has strengthened security ahead of the next phase of the protest.
Agitating students are reportedly preparing to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence on August 20, although no formal announcement has been made. More than 100 additional armed personnel, including forces from the Jharkhand Jaguar and Jharkhand Armed Police, have been deployed for the Chief Minister’s security.
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