Students protesting against alleged recruitment exam irregularities in Jharkhand accused the Ranchi district administration on Thursday of deliberately withholding the health details of student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has now been on a hunger strike for 12 consecutive days over the issue.
Mahto is currently undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi. On Wednesday night, he wrote to the Ranchi civil surgeon seeking permission to return to the protest site at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, where the agitation has been centred.
What the Protesters Are Alleging
The protesting students claim that the administration is keeping his medical condition unclear on purpose, a move they believe is intended to weaken the momentum of their protest by creating confusion or uncertainty around Mahto's health status and whether he'll be allowed to return to the demonstration.
The underlying protest itself centres on alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand, an issue that has evidently escalated to the point where Mahto's prolonged hunger strike has become a central flashpoint, with his health now directly tied to the movement's momentum and public attention.
What Happens Next
With Mahto still hospitalised and awaiting a response on his request to return to the protest site, both the outcome of that request and any official clarification on his health condition are likely to shape how the standoff between the protesting students and the administration develops in the coming days.
FAQs
Q1. Why are Jharkhand students protesting?
They are protesting against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in the state.
Q2. How long has Devendra Mahto been on a hunger strike?
He has been on a hunger strike for 12 days as part of the protest.
Q3. What are the students accusing the administration of?
They allege the Ranchi district administration is deliberately withholding Mahto's health details to weaken the ongoing protest.