Actor Prakash Raj has condemned the use of tear gas and lathi charge against student protesters in Ranchi, who were marching towards the Jharkhand Assembly demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.
The actor reacted after police used force to disperse JPSC-JSSC aspirants during the ‘Vidhan Sabha Gherao’ march on Monday, August 10.
What Prakash Raj said
Prakash Raj shared a video from the protest site on X that showed police using tear gas and lathi charge against demonstrators.
Reacting to the visuals, he wrote, “Why .. Why .. Why 💔💔💔 . This brutality will not work anymore.. it will only bring the arrogant power down.”
The actor’s remarks came as protesters vowed to continue their agitation despite the police action.
Tear gas, water cannons used against protesters
The latest confrontation occurred during a march towards the Jharkhand Assembly. Police reportedly deployed tear gas shells, water cannons and lathi charges after protesters attempted to move towards the Assembly.
The students are demanding action over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
The protest has been organised by the JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch.
Students demand CBI, ED probe
The protesters have been staging an indefinite sit-in at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi since July 29.
They have alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and accused the state government of attempting to dilute the issue by relying on a CID investigation.
The protesters are demanding a probe by central agencies, including the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED).
They are also seeking cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Preliminary Test, held on April 19.
Student leader says protest represents millions of aspirants
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato, who has been on hunger strike for nine days, said the agitation represents the concerns of young people preparing for competitive examinations.
Mahato alleged that authorities used barricades, water cannons, tear gas and lathi charges to stop the protesters.
He said the protesters had not raised political slogans and maintained that their primary demand was related to the future of students and job aspirants.
The students have said they will continue their agitation and are awaiting the government’s response to their demands.
