The ongoing recruitment drive for constables in the Jharkhand Excise and Prohibition Department has turned tragic, with 11 aspirants reported dead while attempting to pass the physical tests for selection.
The rigorous 10-kilometre run in extreme heat and humidity is suspected to have caused severe fatigue and dehydration, potentially leading to these fatalities.
Reports indicate that over 100 other candidates have collapsed and been hospitalised at various centres across the state during the physical tests.
Authorities are investigating whether performance-enhancing drugs or energy drinks could have contributed to breathing difficulties or heart attacks.
The intense heat and prolonged standing in queues are also being considered as potential factors.
As of August 30, 2024, Jharkhand police reported that 127,772 candidates had participated in the recruitment drive, with 78,023, including 21,582 women, successfully passing the test.
The recruitment process, which began on August 22, is set to continue until September 3, with physical tests being conducted at seven locations statewide.
Police have registered cases of Unnatural Death (UD) in connection with the incidents, and authorities are working to determine the exact causes of the deaths.
Jharkhand Police Spokesperson and IG (Operations) AV Homkar confirmed, “During the recruitment process, a total of 11 candidates have lost their lives, including one in Ranchi, two in Giridih, two in Hazaribagh, four in Palamu, and one each in Musabani and Sahibganj.”
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has responded to the situation by ordering the provision of adequate medical facilities at all test centres, including teams of doctors, medicines, ambulances, and drinking water.
Additionally, the decision has been made to schedule the race at 4:30 a.m. instead of during the peak afternoon heat.
However, the opposition BJP has heavily criticised the government, accusing it of implementing overly harsh physical tests and failing to maintain proper medical facilities.
State BJP President and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi took to X, stating, “Due to the mismanagement and stubbornness of the Hemant Soren government, the excise constable recruitment process has now become a 'race of death'. In this 'race of death', 10 unemployed youths of the state have died untimely.”
Marandi claimed that candidates were forced to stand in queues from midnight and then run under the scorching sun without adequate health facilities at the recruitment centres.
He urged the government to provide immediate compensation and jobs to the families of the deceased candidates and called for a judicial inquiry into the matter.
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