Ranchi, Aug 13: Students protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations on Thursday questioned the district administration over the health condition and hospital access of Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto, whose indefinite hunger strike entered its 12th day.
Mahto was admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital on Monday after his health deteriorated following the students’ march towards the Jharkhand Assembly. The agitation, meanwhile, entered its 20th day at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.
The protesting students alleged that the Ranchi district administration was withholding details about Mahto’s health and restricting their access to him.
“Why are the health details of JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto being kept under wraps after 12 days on fast, and why are we not allowed to meet him at Sadar Hospital?” a protesting student said.
Mahto has also sought permission from the Ranchi civil surgeon to leave the hospital and return to the protest site.
“Today, I wrote a letter to the civil surgeon seeking permission to go to the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, the protest spot. My body is undergoing treatment on the hospital bed, but my soul is at the satyagraha site where students and youth are engaged in a just struggle for their future,” Mahto said in a social media post.
The protesters, who have been demonstrating over alleged irregularities in JPSC-JSSC recruitment examinations, are demanding greater transparency in the recruitment process, cancellation of several examinations and an independent probe by the CBI or a panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand.
Tensions escalated on Monday when protesters marching towards the Assembly clashed with security personnel. Police used batons, water cannons and tear gas to disperse the agitators.
Six rounds of talks between the state government and student representatives have so far failed to break the deadlock.
The issue has also triggered a political confrontation. The BJP has accused the Hemant Soren government of suppressing the student movement, while the Congress has alleged that the BJP was politicising the agitation and bringing workers from outside Jharkhand to disrupt the protests.
Former Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das visited Mahto at the hospital and enquired about his health, according to Mahto.
“Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand Raghubar Das ji reached the hospital and inquired about my well-being, while also assuring support for our movement,” Mahto said.
Das has threatened to undertake a hunger strike if the demand for a CBI probe is not fulfilled within a week. He has also demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore each for the families of 19 people who died during the 2024 excise constable physical examination.
The student agitation continues amid demands for accountability and an independent investigation into the alleged recruitment examination irregularities.
