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2 killed as Jharkhand bandh turns violent

By K. Balchand

RANCHI MAY 27. At least two persons, including a boy, were killed when police opened fire to disperse a mob protesting "outsiders" from taking the examination for recruitment of teachers through a call for a two-day bandh, which happened to be the second and final day today.

Supporters of the bandh entered the premises of some centres where the examinations were being conducted and indulged in violence in a bid to get the examinations cancelled. Police resorted to a lathicharge and burst teargas shells, in which an eight-year-old boy and a woman, both tribals, were killed. More than 24 persons, including a dozen policemen, were injured in the clashes, which in some centres lasted for more than four hours. The condition of at least three of the injured was stated to be critical.

The demonstrators were demanding total reservation for domiciles of the State and were against opening up the recruitment process to "outsiders". Police defended their action saying that the demonstrators had hurled crude bombs at them in St. Louis High School and St. Francis High School. The students of the Ranchi College, they alleged, were behind the arson on the college premises. While all the candidates, about 176 of them, had been escorted to safety, at least 12 of its jawans were injured including an officer. Stray incidents were reported from other districts as well. A Chennai-bound truck was set on fire in Ranchi.

Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary announced the cancellation of the examination held at three centres. He said fresh dates would be announced for the re-examination.

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