# BJP calls Jharkhand bandh after police lathi-charge on students

2026-08-11T02:15:11+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

The BJP has called a statewide bandh in Jharkhand on August 11 after police used water cannons, tear gas and lathis on students protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities in Ranchi. Protesters demanding a CBI probe had attempted to breach barricades near the state assembly. JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, on a nine-day hunger strike, was hospitalised after joining the march. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters, though his party is a coalition partner in the Hemant Soren government. Police say 14 of their personnel were injured and will examine CCTV footage to identify those who damaged barricades and pelted stones. The students, agitating since July 25, continue to demand a CBI investigation and reforms in the recruitment process.

## Coverage

- rediff.com <https://www.rediff.com/news/report/rahul-gandhi-slams-use-of-force-against-jharkhand-students/20260810.htm>
- republicworld.com <https://www.republicworld.com/videos/india/arnab-goswami-questions-jharkhand-student-protest-crackdown-2026-08-11-134474>
- economictimes.indiatimes.com <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/jharkhand-students-protest-bjp-calls-statewide-bandh-after-ranchi-lathicharge-jlkm-leader-devendra-nath-mahto-hospitalised-jpsc-jssc-aspirants-demand-cbi-probe/articleshow/133140933.cms>

Tags: Congress, Jharkhand, police action, Rahul Gandhi, recruitment exam, student protests
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