Opposition slams Hemant Soren govt over deaths, demands judicial inquiry
Tragic deaths during the physical endurance test for excise constable recruitment spark controversy in Jharkhand.
RANCHI – Five candidates died during the physical endurance test for excise constable recruitment in Jharkhand, prompting criticism of the state government.
BJP state president Babulal Marandi lambasted the Hemant Soren-led government for the tragic incident.
He questioned the short preparation time given to candidates, citing the brief period between the notification and the physical efficiency test.
"How will candidates prepare for the race in just 15 days?" Marandi demanded, alleging government negligence in conducting the test during humid weather conditions.
The former chief minister also highlighted the lack of basic facilities at recruitment centers.
"The government has neither made arrangements for drinking water, nor toilets, nor is there any arrangement for women to breastfeed small children," he stated.
Marandi called for a judicial inquiry into the deaths and demanded proper compensation and government jobs for the deceased candidates’ dependents.
Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri criticized the hasty recruitment process, suggesting it was a response to mounting pressure from unemployed youth and opposition parties.
"The state government could not fulfill the promise of jobs in 5 years," Bauri remarked, implying that the rushed process led to the tragic outcomes.
According to police reports, three of the 25 aspirants who fainted during the physical test in Palamu died while undergoing treatment.
Dr. R K Ranjan, Superintendent of Medinirai Medical College and Hospital, suggested breathlessness as the preliminary cause of death, adding, "We also suspect use of sedatives to increase stamina."
The deaths were reported across multiple districts: one each in Giridih, Ranchi, and Hazaribagh, and three in Palamu.
As investigations continue, the incident has raised serious questions about the safety measures and planning of recruitment processes in the state.
