RANCHI: Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, remains hospitalised at Sadar Hospital, Ranchi, after 11 days of fasting, officials and protest sources said on Thursday. Protestors accused the state administration of withholding details about his health and restricting access to the hospital.
Allegations of restricted access and withheld information
Protesting aspirants, who have been camped at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium for nearly three weeks, alleged that the government was not allowing them to meet Mahto at the hospital and was keeping medical information from the public in an effort to weaken their agitation. The wider protest by JPSC and JSSC aspirants entered its 20th day on Thursday.
- Duration of fast: Mahto has been on hunger strike for 11 days.
- Location: He is receiving treatment at Sadar Hospital, Ranchi.
- Context: The strike is part of protests over alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations.
Political reactions and hospital visit
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das visited Mahto at the hospital and enquired about his condition, according to reports. In a social media post cited in reporting, Mahto said that Das had reached the hospital, enquired about his well‑being and offered support for the movement.
"My body is undergoing treatment in the hospital bed, but my soul and resolve are at the Satyagraha site where students and youth are engaged in a just struggle for their future," Mahto said in a message shared on social media, according to reports.
Das has also publicly warned that he may commence a hunger strike if the demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe is not met within a week, and has called for compensation for families affected in earlier recruitment-related incidents, the reports added.
Condition and treatment
Mahto was moved to Sadar Hospital late on Monday after police used force to disperse demonstrators who had marched towards the state assembly, according to reporting. He is undergoing treatment for injuries allegedly sustained during a police lathi‑charge on August 10, and for the effects of prolonged fasting.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hospital | Sadar Hospital, Ranchi |
| Days on hunger strike | 11 days |
| Protest site | Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium |
Public‑health concerns and legal implications
Prolonged fasting can lead to serious metabolic and systemic complications. Clinical guidance from health authorities such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasises early medical assessment, electrolyte monitoring and supervised refeeding for those on extended fasts. Medical professionals warn that complications can include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, cardiac arrhythmias and organ dysfunction; such risks rise with duration of the fast and any concurrent injuries.
Students and opposition leaders have accused the state government of attempting to suppress the agitation. The ruling party has denied these claims and said measures were necessary to maintain public order, according to reporting. The Congress accused the BJP of politicising the protest and alleged involvement of outsiders to disrupt demonstrations; the BJP has countered those charges publicly.
Authorities have not released a comprehensive update on Mahto's clinical parameters or the specific treatment regimen being followed, according to protest sources. The lack of detailed official medical information is at the centre of protesters' grievances and has fuelled demands for transparency and independent investigation into the examination irregularities they allege.
Health experts recommend that family members and legal representatives be allowed access to those hospitalised for medical and legal oversight. Where public interest is involved, transparent health updates—while respecting patient confidentiality—help reduce misinformation and community tensions.
This is a developing situation. Readers are advised that the information presented is based on contemporaneous reporting; anyone seeking medical guidance about hunger strikes or related conditions should consult a qualified physician. The report does not offer medical advice.
