DGP Anurag Gupta investigates deaths amid excise constable recruitment process in Jharkhand.
At least 12 candidates have died during the ongoing excise constable recruitment tests across Jharkhand.
RANCHI – Jharkhand’s DGP Anurag Gupta expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of 12 candidates during the excise constable recruitment tests, stressing that Chief Minister Hemant Soren is taking the matter seriously.
Post-mortems are being conducted on all deceased candidates, and unnatural death cases are being registered.
The cause of these deaths is still under investigation.
“We are thoroughly investigating whether these tragic deaths were caused by lapses in the recruitment process, the candidates’ health conditions, or possibly the use of medication,” Gupta stated.
While no official cause has been confirmed, reports suggest that heat exposure, intense physical activity, and prolonged waiting periods may have contributed to the fatalities.
The maximum number of deaths, five, occurred in Palamu, where more than 70 people fainted.
Over 100 candidates have fainted in Giridih, though no deaths were reported there, while two candidates each have died in Hazaribagh and Sahibganj.
One candidate died in CTC, Musabani, and another in Tendergram, Ranchi.
Complaints have emerged about candidates being forced to run in extreme heat.
Despite these incidents, Gupta emphasized that comprehensive arrangements, including toilet facilities, water, ORS, doctors, nurses, and ambulances, were in place at every recruitment center.
“We start the races before 6 am and finish by 10 am to avoid the worst of the heat," Gupta explained, adding, "Complete transparency is being maintained, and video recordings are made at every stage."
He concluded by stating that the police are awaiting the post-mortem reports to provide more clarity on the cause of deaths.
