The recruitment process for constables in the Excise Department has faced growing scrutiny as yet another life was lost during the ongoing physical fitness tests. The tragic death of Muramulla Suraya, alias Bala, a young man in his early twenties from the Burmamines locality of Jamshedpur, has brought the total number of fatalities during the drive to 13.
Bala, the eldest of three brothers, was among the many aspirants participating in the rigorous physical fitness tests, held as part of the recruitment drive. These tests are known to be physically demanding, with the participants required to undertake various endurance tasks, including a strenuous run. Bala successfully completed the physical test held on Thursday afternoon, but later that evening, he fell critically ill. Organizers of the event rushed him to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi for urgent medical attention.
Bala's condition deteriorated rapidly after he was admitted to RIMS. Despite receiving medical care, he struggled to recover from the exhaustion and complications caused by the test. His health worsened, and he eventually succumbed to his illness at around 5 a.m. on Saturday.
The exact cause of his death is believed to be related to the physical strain induced by the fitness test, though no official autopsy report has been released yet. It has been noted that Bala had shown no prior signs of serious health concerns before participating in the test, raising concerns about the safety and adequacy of medical screenings before the event.
Bala's family was informed about his sudden demise early on Saturday morning. His death has left his family devastated, as he was a significant source of support. Bala, the eldest of his siblings, had been taking up petty jobs to help his family make ends meet. His untimely passing has left a massive void, with the family grappling not only with their loss but also the uncertainty of their future.
Upon receiving the news, his family rushed to Ranchi to claim his body. They expressed shock over how a recruitment test could lead to such a tragedy, with his father stating, "We never thought that a fitness test would take his life. He had high hopes of getting the job and supporting us. Now, we are left shattered."
"We are deeply saddened by his death. It is heartbreaking to think that a fitness test could lead to this," said one of Bala's neighbors. The atmosphere in the locality remained somber throughout the day, with residents expressing solidarity with Bala’s grieving family.
