The physical tests under the Jharkhand Excise Constable competitive exams began from August 22 at seven centers in Ranchi, Giridih, Hazaribagh, Palamu, East Singhbhum and Sahebganj districts.

Ranchi: Eleven candidates died while undergoing physical tests during a drive to recruit excise constables in Jharkhand, police said on Sunday. The physical tests under the Jharkhand Excise Constable competitive exams began from August 22 at seven centers in Ranchi, Giridih, Hazaribagh, Palamu, East Singhbhum and Sahebganj districts.

Four deaths were reported in Palamu, two each in Giridih and Hazaribagh and one each in Ranchi's Jaguar center and East Singhbhum's Mosabani and Sahebganj centres, IG (Operations) Amol V Homkar said. An unnatural death has been reported and investigation is on, he said. A total of 1,27,772 aspirants had given the physical test till August 30, out of which 78,023 have passed, he added.

Homkar said that adequate arrangements have been made for medical teams, medicines, ambulances, mobile toilets and drinking water at all the centres. The youth wing of the BJP staged a protest against the JMM-led government at Ranchi's Albert Ekka Chowk, alleging that the deaths were due to mismanagement by officials.

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