• Source:JND
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Jharkhand Excise Constable Recruitment: Six candidates have died within two days during the excise constable recruitment physical examinations in Jharkhand. Over the past week, a total of eight fatalities have been reported across various centres in the state. Since the recruitment process began on August 22, more than 100 candidates have fainted and required hospitalization, with many still receiving treatment. The majority of these incidents have occurred in Palamu, where four candidates lost their lives within two days, and over 80 others are currently undergoing medical care.

In addition to Palamu, two candidates from Hazaribagh and one each from Giridih and East Singhbhum died from suspected suffocation during the physical tests. Doctors suspect that some candidates may have used stimulant drugs or energy drinks to enhance their performance, which could have led to their medical emergencies. Some individuals have openly admitted to consuming energy drinks prior to the races. Additionally, extreme heat and prolonged standing in line have been cited as contributing factors to these incidents.

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The exact causes of death will be determined through viscera tests. The bodies of the deceased candidates have been preserved for further examination following autopsies. Preliminary reports indicate that victims experienced shortness of breath and cardiac arrest during the races. A medical team has been assembled to investigate these alarming occurrences.

Compounding the situation, some candidates receiving treatment at Medinirai Medical College Hospital in Medininagar, Palamu, have exhibited aggressive and erratic behaviour. Hospital Superintendent Dr. R.K. Ranjan stated that this unsettling behaviour raises concerns about possible stimulant use among these individuals. Many of the patients presented with low blood pressure, excessive sweating and difficulty breathing, with some even slipping into comas.

In response to the rising number of casualties, Chief Minister Hemant Soren has taken action by changing the timing of the recruitment races. Starting from Saturday, the races will now take place at 4 AM instead of the previous schedule of 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM, aiming to reduce the candidates' exposure to the intense midday heat.

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The tragic events continued, as three more candidates died during the races on Saturday. Suraj Kumar Verma from Giridih and Sumit Yadav from Godda fell unconscious and subsequently died during the physical tests. Additionally, Ajay Mahato from Ranchi, who had been receiving treatment at RIMS Ranchi after collapsing during the race, also passed away.

Mukesh Kumar, the chairman of the recruitment board for excise constables in Palamu, has urged police to investigate the potential use of drugs among candidates. He noted that some individuals who fainted were unable to remember their own names or addresses, raising further concerns.

To address these suspicions, police conducted raids on shops near the recruitment sites on Saturday, fearing that performance-enhancing drugs may be sold in the area. Medininagar Sadar SDPO Manibhushan Prasad confirmed that authorities are not only raiding local shops but are also investigating any suspicious activities related to drug sales.