Jharkhand's fasting activist Devendra Nath Mahto clashes with police at Ranchi hospital, alleges chest injury

Mahto, who has been hospitalised since August 10, alleged that he suffered an injury to his chest during the confrontation.

He has been on hunger strike for 14 days in support of students and job aspirants protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations.

The broader agitation has now entered its 23rd day.

A video of Saturday’s incident showed a security official blocking Mahto as he attempted to leave Sadar Hospital.

Several workers of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JKLM), the organisation associated with Mahto, were seen asking the official to allow the fasting activist to attend the Tiranga Yatra.

The official appeared to urge the protesters to let Mahto rest and remain at the hospital.

Mahto questions police action

Mahto questioned why he was being prevented from attending the Independence Day programme at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.

“After 80 years, we have realised that we have got only nominal freedom. Under which provision of the Constitution am I being stopped?” he said.

He later alleged on X that he was hurt during the pushing and shoving outside the hospital.

“While going to Jaipal Singh Stadium to hoist the flag, I was stopped by the police. During the pushing and shoving, I suffered an injury to my chest. My treatment and medical examination are currently underway,” Mahto said.

The activist said his health had remained poor during the 14-day hunger strike and that he was experiencing chest pain even while speaking. Despite his condition, he said he wanted to reach the stadium to hoist the national flag.

Activist demands written medical order

Mahto also challenged the authorities to produce a written order if doctors had advised him against leaving the hospital.

“If there is a doctor’s order, show me the written order. If I am stopped without a written order, I will file an FIR against everyone who stopped me,” he said.

He further alleged that attempts were being made to divert the students’ agitation, which began over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

Mahto claimed that some people were attempting to weaken the movement nearly a month after it began.

‘Full justice is still pending’

The activist said the agitation had prompted the authorities to take some steps but maintained that the protesters were still awaiting what they considered full justice.

“Due to this movement, an inquiry committee has been formed today. The government is also positively listening to our points, but full justice is still pending,” he said.

“When the time comes, I will make all the revelations,” Mahto added, without providing further details.

He also appealed to the protesting students not to allow the movement to be diverted and urged them to remain united.

Mahto hospitalised after students’ march

Mahto has been receiving treatment at Sadar Hospital since his health deteriorated following his participation in a march by protesting students towards the Jharkhand Assembly.

He began his hunger strike on August 2 in support of students and job aspirants who have alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by JPSC and JSSC.