Jharkhand Journalist Faces FIR Amid Protests Over Exam Irregularities
Journalist's Legal Troubles
Aman Chopra, a journalist associated with a prominent media outlet, revealed on Monday that he is facing a first information report (FIR) filed by the Jharkhand Police. This action follows his visit to a hospital where he met a student engaged in a hunger strike protesting alleged irregularities in government job examinations.
Chopra, who also hosts a YouTube channel called The Aman Podcast, indicated that the FIR is linked to footage he shared on his platform.
A social media post purportedly displaying the FIR indicated that Chopra was charged for unauthorized entry into the High Dependency Unit of Sadar Hospital in Ranchi, where he recorded videos.
The allegations suggest he breached protocols concerning infection control and patient safety. The complaint calls for an investigation into whether any private medical information was captured or disseminated without consent.
In a video shared online, Chopra stated that police detained him while he was having breakfast and questioned him for nearly two hours before handing him a copy of the FIR.
He also mentioned that other journalists covering the protests were similarly detained and interrogated.
“The Jharkhand government is anxious about the truth coming to light,” he asserted. “This FIR represents the cost of our journalistic efforts.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists announced it is closely observing the police inquiry into Chopra's case, advocating for a fair investigation that respects journalistic integrity.
Protests Escalate
March to Assembly
As protests against examination irregularities reached their 17th day, thousands of students marched towards the Assembly on Monday. Many were injured when police resorted to lathi charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Despite these measures, demonstrators managed to breach several barricades and access the Assembly grounds, although the House had already been adjourned for the day.
The unrest in Jharkhand began on July 25, fueled by nationwide protests against the alleged mismanagement of competitive exams. Protesters have been staging a sit-in at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, with six individuals on a hunger strike.
They are demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission Combined Preliminary Test conducted on April 19.
Additionally, they are calling for investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate into alleged irregularities in recruitment exams overseen by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission.
On Sunday, the Jharkhand government agreed to annul three examinations, including the Combined Civil Services exam. However, students continue to protest, insisting on the cancellation of the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combined Graduate Level examination and a CBI probe into all state public commission tests.
The government has declined to cancel the graduate-level exam, asserting it was conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court and the Jharkhand High Court. Instead, it has proposed a high-level judicial inquiry led by a retired judge to investigate the allegations surrounding the examination.