Protests over alleged recruitment examination irregularities have intensified in Jharkhand, India, where student leader Devendranath Mahato began an indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi. Job aspirants are demanding cancellation of the 14th JPSC preliminary examination, an impartial inquiry into allegations of a question-paper leak, and reforms to the state’s recruitment system.

The protest has received support from the Cockroach Janata Party, or CJP, which the report said strengthened the agitation. The movement arose from allegations involving question-paper leaks, irregularities in recruitment procedures and administrative negligence. Students say such incidents have repeatedly harmed their career prospects.

Mahato said the dispute began after the 14th preliminary test results were announced last month. He said protesters began the movement on July 5, met the governor on July 7, burned an effigy on July 8, and submitted evidence to the chief minister on July 20. Mahato alleged that the government and Jharkhand Public Service Commission had failed to adequately address student concerns. He said he would continue fasting until demands presented to Chief Minister Hemant Soren are met.