Jharkhand LoP accuses Soren-led govt. of protecting influential people amid CID probe into job exam ‘irregularities’

Leader of the Opposition in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly and BJP leader Babulal Marandi. File | Photo Credit: PTI Leader of the Opposition in Jharkhand Assembly Babulal Marandi on Sunday (September 13, 2026) alleged a cover-up and protection of influential people in the ongoing Crime Investigation Department (CID) probe into the alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) recruitment exams.Mr. Marandi also questioned the lack of videography during the statement-recording process. He added that the direction of the probe suggests an exercise aimed solely at suppressing the truth and shielding “big fish.”In a post on X, Mr. Marandi said that complaints are surfacing which confirm earlier apprehensions. He noted that when individuals detained or interrogated in the case reveal details regarding bribery transactions and the involvement of high-profile politicians, officials, or their intermediaries, those specific parts are being omitted from their recorded statements.He mentioned that some junior officials involved in the investigation have —on the condition of anonymity— reported that their senior departmental officers are pressuring them not to include such statements in the official record.“If these complaints are true, it constitutes a grave matter of suppressing the truth and protecting influential people under the guise of an investigation, “ he wrote.Mr. Marandi asserted that the process of recording statements in such a sensitive case should be videographed and the original recordings must be preserved without any tampering, trimming, or editing to ensure that no official can alter—or cause to be altered—anyone’s statement for their own convenience.“However, according to the complaints received, this is not happening. Why is there such anxiety to exclude a prominent name from the record the moment it is mentioned? Is the investigation being conducted to reveal the truth or to shield certain individuals?”Mr. Marandi asked.He further added that serious allegations had previously arisen regarding the role of former Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta.“He is involved in scandalous misdeeds—specifically concerning steering the investigation in the wrong direction, destroying evidence, and denying the existence of the recruitment scam. The shift in the CID’s stance following the protest by the students and the unemployed has further deepened these questions,”Mr. Marandi said.The former Chief Minister also said, “Now, regarding the CID investigation led by another tainted officer, Manoj Kaushik, complaints are emerging that ‘small fish’ are being made scapegoats to shield the ‘big fish’. These grievances must be addressed through impartial action and the preservation of evidence. Merely showcasing the arrests of low-level individuals will not dispel the apprehension.”Senior IPS officer of ADG rank Mr. Kaushik is leading the seven-member team probing alleged irregularities in the JPSS and JSSC recruitment examinations.Giving a warning to the investigating officer, Mr. Marandi said if there is any ongoing game of dropping names from statements, erasing digital evidence, or pressuring individuals to give fabricated statements, it must stop immediately.He added that there is also a word of advice for the next generation of officers: “do not stake your service, reputation, and conscience merely to curry favour with those in power.”He also urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren not to force students and the unemployed to take to the streets again. He called for an immediate recommendation for a CBI inquiry and insisted on ensuring arrangements to secure and preserve all original statements, video recordings, and digital evidence. Published - September 14, 2026 05:12 am IST