Ink Thrown at AISA Leader Neha Bora During Ranchi Students' March to Jharkhand Assembly

AISA leader Neha Bora was allegedly targeted with black ink on Friday while leading a march of around 1,000 students and activists towards the Jharkhand Assembly during the opening day of the Monsoon Session, amid an intensifying protest over alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations.

The march began from Birsa Chowk and included members of the All India Students' Association (AISA), Students' Federation of India (SFI), All India Students' Federation (AISF), Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha, women's groups and several Adivasi organisations backing the student-led agitation.

Women Protesters Allegedly Targeted

Speaking after the incident, student protester Riya Tulika Pingua alleged that unidentified persons infiltrated the procession and deliberately targeted women leading the rally.

"They specifically threw ink at the women participants. I was there along with women members of AISA, Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha, SFI and AISF. It happened as we were leading the march," she said.

She alleged that "anti-social elements" opposed to the student movement were behind the incident.

"They want to play politics. We do not know exactly who they are," she added.

Drawing parallels with the recent student protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where Bora was among the prominent faces, Pingua said supporters from across the country had gathered in Ranchi to strengthen the movement.

"Just as people united at Jantar Mantar and gave strength to the movement, people have come here as well to support the students. But those who claim to believe in 'Atithi Devo Bhava' have carried out this shameful act," she said.

Bora Calls for Fresh Recruitment Exams

Addressing protesters during the march, Bora reiterated demands for sweeping reforms in the state's recruitment process.

She called for the immediate cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Combined Civil Services Examination and sought the announcement of a fresh examination schedule.

She also demanded cancellation of the JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, alleging irregularities, and urged the government to stop conducting recruitment examinations through private agencies.

Alleged Attacker Caught by Protesters

Siraj Dutta of the Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha claimed the person who allegedly threw the ink was caught by protesters and assaulted before organisers intervened.

"I was a little ahead, and by the time I reached, people had caught hold of the person. I stepped in to stop the assault," he said.

Dutta said there was no clarity on the identity of the individual and that organisers were, for the time being, not planning to lodge a police complaint.

'Accused Posed as Student'

AISA Jharkhand secretary Triloki Kumar alleged that the accused had blended into the procession by posing as a student before throwing the ink near Mahavir Mandir, around 1.5 km from the Assembly.

"He was moving along with the march, so nobody realised who he was," Kumar said.

According to organisers, between 1,000 and 1,500 people participated in the march, including student organisations, civil society groups and Adivasi organisations demanding action over alleged recruitment examination irregularities.