Leader of the Opposition in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly and BJP leader Babulal Marandi. File | Photo Credit: PTI
Leader of Opposition in Jharkhand Assembly Babulal Marandi on Sunday (September 13, 2026) alleged cover-up and protection of influential people in the ongoing Crime Investigation Department (CID) probe into alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) recruitment exams.
Mr Marandi also questioned the lack of video footage during the recording of the statement. He added that the direction of the investigation suggests an attempt aimed solely at hiding the truth and covering up “big fish.”
In a message to XMr. Marandi said complaints were emerging that confirmed earlier concerns. He noted that when individuals detained or interrogated in this case disclose details of bribery deals and the involvement of senior politicians, officials or their intermediaries, those specific parts are omitted from their recorded statements.
He mentioned that some junior officials involved in the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they were being pressured by senior department officers not to include such statements in official records.
“If these complaints are true, this poses a serious problem of hiding the truth and protecting powerful people under the guise of investigation,” he wrote.
Mr. Marandi said the process of recording statements in such a sensitive case should be videotaped and the original recordings should be preserved without any interference, cropping or editing to ensure that no official can alter or cause the alteration of anyone’s statement for their own convenience.
“However, according to complaints received, this is not happening. Why is there such concern about removing a well-known name from the record the moment it is mentioned? Is the investigation being conducted to reveal the truth or to protect certain individuals?” – Marandi asked.
He also added that serious allegations had previously arisen regarding the role of former Jharkhand CM Anurag Gupta.
“He is involved in scandalous crimes, particularly in misdirecting investigations, destroying evidence and denying the existence of a recruitment scam. The CID’s change of position following protest by students and unemployed workers has further aggravated these issues,” Mr. said. – Marandi said.
The former chief minister also said, “Now, regarding the CID probe by another tainted officer, Manoj Kaushik, complaints are emerging that the ‘small fish’ are being made scapegoats to protect the ‘big fish’. These complaints must be addressed through impartial action and preservation of evidence. Merely showing arrests of low-level persons will not allay fears.”
Senior ADG rank IPS officer Mr. Kaushik is leading a seven-member team probing alleged irregularities in the recruitment of JPSS and JSSC.
Giving a warning to the investigating officer, Mr. Marandi said that if any game continues to exclude names from statements, erase digital evidence or pressure people to give fabricated statements, it must be stopped immediately.
He added that there is further advice for the next generation of officers: “don’t put your service, reputation and conscience on the line just to curry favor with those in power.”
He also urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren not to force students and the unemployed to take to the streets again. He called for an immediate recommendation for a CBI probe and insisted on ensuring the security and preservation of all original statements, videos and digital evidence.
Published – Sep 14, 2026 05:12 EST.