Ranchi: A political storm has erupted in Jharkhand following the deaths of 12 young candidates during the physical test for constable recruitment by the Jharkhand State Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Chief Minister Hemant Soren has accused the central government of being responsible for the tragic incident, claiming that the deaths were caused by side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine.
Speaking at a public event, Chief Minister Soren alleged that the vaccines administered during the COVID-19 pandemic are leading to unexpected fatalities. “Deaths are occurring due to the side effects of the vaccines that were given during the Corona epidemic,” Soren stated. “Some youths have died during the recruitment race, but these deaths are not due to running. People are dying suddenly while simply moving around.”
Vaccine Blamed for Unexplained Deaths
Soren went further, describing the COVID-19 vaccine as a cause of these sudden deaths, pointing to an increase in fatalities among both the young and the old. “People in the country are dying from cold and cough, and others are dying while running or walking. Not just the elderly, but young people are also losing their lives,” he asserted.
The constable recruitment drive by the JSSC aims to fill 583 posts in the Excise Department. The physical tests commenced on 22nd August, and, according to official reports, 12 candidates have died so far. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, claims the death toll has reached 15.
The deaths have sparked a fierce political debate in Jharkhand. The BJP has demanded that the state government provide compensation of 50 lakh rupees each to the families of the deceased candidates, as well as offer them a government job. The party has also announced its own financial assistance of one lakh rupees to the families of the victims.
In response to the escalating political pressure, Chief Minister Soren has taken several actions. He has ordered a three-day halt to the recruitment process and instructed that all further running tests be conducted before 9 a.m. to avoid high temperatures and potential dehydration. Meanwhile, the local police have registered an Unnatural Death (UD) case and have begun an investigation into the matter.
The controversy has intensified the political discourse in the state, with opposition parties seizing the opportunity to criticise the state government’s handling of the recruitment process. The BJP’s call for compensation has added fuel to the fire, with the public and political commentators closely watching how the government will respond.
The deaths of the young candidates have not only raised concerns about the safety of the recruitment process but also sparked broader discussions about vaccine safety and the handling of public health matters. As investigations continue, the incident is set to remain a focal point in Jharkhand’s political landscape for the foreseeable future.
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