Ranchi, Jharkhand: Police on Monday used lathi-charge and water cannons to disperse student protesters in Ranchi after they breached barricades while attempting to march towards the Jharkhand Assembly.

The protest was part of an ongoing agitation by students demanding action over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

The students had announced an Assembly gherao to press for their demands, which include fresh examinations, greater transparency in the recruitment process, and a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities.

Before the march, student leader Devendra Mahto, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike, appealed to protesters to maintain discipline and avoid confrontations with the police. He urged them to remain peaceful if stopped and look for alternative ways to continue their demonstration.

Despite the appeal, police intervened after protesters crossed security barricades leading to the Assembly complex. Officers used batons and water cannons to disperse the crowd and prevent them from advancing further.

The police action came despite Chief Minister Hemant Soren recently stating that dialogue, rather than force, is the appropriate way to resolve issues within the state.

There was no immediate official information on the number of injuries or detentions following the clash. Authorities have tightened security around the Assembly premises as the protest continues.

The student agitation, which has been ongoing for several days, centres on demands for transparency, accountability, and reforms in the state's recruitment examination process.