Three of the 25 aspirants, who were undergoing treatment after they fainted during a physical test of a constable recruitment exam in Palamu, have died, police said on Friday.
Two candidates died during the course of treatment at Medinirai Medical College and Hospital at Medininagar in Palamu district since Thursday night, while one succumbed at RIMS, Ranchi, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Manibhusan Prasad said.
They died of breathlessness, as per preliminary findings, and "we also suspect use of sedatives to increase stamina", Superintendent of the hospital, Dr R K Ranjan said.
"We are examining the exact cause of the deaths," he said.
The victims were identified as Amresh Kumar (20), Arun Kumar (25) and Pradip Kumar (25).
Around 100 candidates, who took part in the physical test involving running, in the constable recruitment exam of the excise department in Palamu district, have so far fainted, police said.
The recruitment process will continue till September 9, officials said.
In view of the development, the authorities have decided to conduct the physical test from 4.30 am. Previously, it was at 9 am.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hemant Soren has directed officials to take immediate cognisance of the matter.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
Massive Crowd of Army Aspirants Causes Chaos in Pithoragarh During Recruitment Drive
Indian Navy Releases New Exam Date For INCET 2024, Check Complete Schedule UP Police Constable Exam 2023: Final Answer Key Released, Merit List To Be Out on This Date UPSSSC Invites Applications For Health Worker Recruitment Main Exam, 5,272 Vacancies Available Russia's Firing Of ICBM On Ukraine Is Weapon's 1st Combat Use In History Amazon Employee Greets Friend At Wedding, Dies Of Cardiac Arrest This Asian City Is Emerging As Sex Tourism Hub. It's Not Where You Think US SEC Chief Gary Gensler To Step Down Clearing Way For Trump's Pick Noted Surgeon Dr Mathew Varghese Named 'The One International' South Korea Court Jails Ex-Fiance Of Olympic Medalist For 13 Years Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.