Devendra Mahto Seeks Civil Surgeon’s Nod To Rejoin Ranchi Student Protest

Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike for 11 days over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, has sought permission from the Ranchi civil surgeon to return to the protest site at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. Mahto is currently undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi after his health deteriorated on Monday following his participation in a march by protesting students towards the Jharkhand Assembly.

He was shifted to the hospital after his condition worsened, while the student agitation over alleged recruitment exam irregularities continued. In a letter addressed to the Ranchi civil surgeon on Wednesday night, Mahto requested permission to leave the hospital and return to the protest site. He said thousands of students participating in the agitation were standing with him and described the movement as both a struggle for their rights and a personal responsibility.

“Today, I wrote a letter to the civil surgeon seeking permission to go to the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, the protest site,” Mahto said in a social media post. He added that although his body was receiving treatment in the hospital, his “soul” remained at the satyagraha site, where students and young people were continuing their campaign. Mahto has been observing a hunger strike as part of the wider agitation over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted in Jharkhand. The students have been protesting for 19 days, demanding action over their concerns and seeking accountability in the examination process.

Also Read: Devendra Mahto Alleges Police Lathi-Charge During Jharkhand Protest, Tells Dipke

The JLKM leader's decision to continue the hunger strike despite being hospitalised comes as the student movement remains active. His participation in the march towards the Assembly on Monday was followed by a deterioration in his health, prompting his transfer to Sadar Hospital for medical treatment. The protest at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium has become a focal point for students and young people raising concerns about recruitment examinations. The protesters have alleged irregularities in the conduct of the exams and have continued their agitation while seeking a response from the state authorities.

Mahto's request to return to the protest site will now depend on the assessment of the Ranchi civil surgeon and medical authorities. Given that he is undergoing treatment after his health deteriorated during the agitation, the decision will involve consideration of his medical condition. The JLKM leader has maintained that returning to the protest site is important to him because of his association with the students leading the agitation. Meanwhile, the student protesters continue to press their demands, keeping the issue of alleged recruitment examination irregularities in the spotlight in Jharkhand.

Also Read: Jharkhand Student Leader Devendra Mahto Breaks Fast Following Wangchuk Conversation