New Delhi, Aug. 11 -- Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat on Tuesday backed the protesting students in Jharkhand and said that a lathi-charge against a peaceful demonstration was unacceptable, while highlighting the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in the state.

Speaking in Delhi about the students' protest in Ranchi, Bhagat said that Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was sensitive to the issue and pointed to the recent arrest of former Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) chairman L Khiangte by the state CID.

"Hemant Soren himself is very sensitive to the issue. The former JSSC Chairman was arrested yesterday by the CID, and a total of 20 people have been arrested so far. The ED has stepped...