Jharkhand Halts Excise Constable Recruitment Amid Deaths

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren has paused the excise constable recruitment drive for three days after candidates died during physical tests. A health expert committee will investigate the causes. Immediate relief will be provided to affected families, and health check-ups and breakfast arrangements will be made for future candidates.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the suspension of the ongoing recruitment drive for excise constables for the next three days, following the deaths of several candidates during physical tests.

A committee of health experts has been formed to investigate the cause of these deaths, with a report expected soon.

The CM expressed his condolences, describing the deaths as 'heartbreaking', and has ordered an immediate review of previous government rules. He also instructed that doctors be present for health check-ups and that breakfast arrangements be made for candidates to avoid running on an empty stomach.

Emergency relief is being provided to the victims' families. The BJP claims 15 candidates have died, but Jharkhand Police reports 12 deaths, and the state Health Minister estimates four.

The physical tests for the excise constable recruitment started on August 22 and were planned to continue till September 9, with nearly 128,000 candidates participating so far.

(With inputs from agencies.)