Recruitment drive deaths: J’khand minister contradicts own govt’s figures

Ranchi, Sep 2 (PTI) Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta on Monday said only four aspirants died during the ongoing physical tests for excise constables, contradicting state police's claim of 11 casualties.

Gupta questioned the accuracy of the reported figures, asserting that the numbers were incorrect.

"Where are these figures coming from? These are not authentic. A total of four persons have died," Gupta said at Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Airport.

He attributed the deaths to increased cardiac issues following the Covid pandemic and noted that medical professionals are advising exercise according to individual capacity.

"Even doctors are advising exercise as per one's capacity. Death of any candidate is indeed a matter of sadness," he said.

On Sunday, IG (Operations) Amol V Homkar said four aspirants died in Palamu, two each in Giridih and Hazaribag, and one each in Ranchi, East Singhbhum's Mosabani, and Sahebganj centres.

He said cases of unnatural death were registered, and investigations ongoing.

The physical tests for Jharkhand excise constable recruitment began on August 22 and will continue till September 9.

As of August 30, a total of 127,772 aspirants had participated in the physical tests, with 78,023 emerging successful, he added.

Meanwhile, Jharkhand BJP on Monday claimed that at least 13 aspirants have died so far during the physical tests because of the government’s mismanagement.

Senior BJP leader Amar Bauri, who is also the leader of the opposition in the state assembly, criticised the government’s handling of the situation.

Speaking at Palamu, Bauri alleged, "At least 13 candidates have died so far during the physical tests. Mismanagement is evident in the drive. Medical protocols are not being followed. This is a failure of the JMM-led government, which has shown insensitivity towards the aspirants." PTI SAN SAN MNB