India: Anger over exam irregularities spreads to Jharkhand

Thousands of protesters in Jharkhand are marching on the eastern Indian state's parliament to demand a federal inquiry into alleged irregularities in recruitment exams for government jobs, for the tests to be canceled and for a more transparent hiring process.

Police used water cannons against the protesters on Monday as they tried to breach security barricades en route to Jharkhand Legislative Assembly.

The confrontation marked a sharp escalation between the authorities and the protesters.

The movement began on July 25, when demonstrators started camping at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in the state capital, Ranchi.

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In scenes reminiscent of the youth-led " Cockroach " protests that swept New Delhi last month, some protesters also went on a hunger strike .

Rahul Kranti, a 40-year-old government job aspirant and one of at least six protesters participating in the hunger strike, was moved to intensive care after his health deteriorated.

"The future of Jharkhand's youth will not be allowed to be sold. I will remain on hunger strike, whether I am in hospital or at the protest site," Kranti told DW.