RANCHI, India — Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto on Saturday alleged that police stopped him from joining an Independence Day Tiranga Yatra in Ranchi and that he and his companions were assaulted when they attempted to proceed to a flag-hoisting ceremony. Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 14 days over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), is currently admitted to Sadar Hospital.
- Devendra Nath Mahto alleged that police prevented him from leaving Sadar Hospital.
- Mahto has been on an indefinite hunger strike since August 2 over alleged JPSC and JSSC examination irregularities.
- He wanted to participate in the Tiranga Yatra and hoist the national flag at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.
- Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the government would work to ensure transparency in recruitment examinations.
Devendra Nath Mahto alleges police action during Tiranga Yatra bid
Speaking to ANI, Devendra Nath Mahto said students had prepared for a flag-hoisting ceremony at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium and that information about his proposed participation had been provided in writing to the district administration and hospital management.
According to Mahto, officials initially indicated at around 9 am that he would be allowed to leave the hospital for the ceremony. He alleged that the situation changed shortly afterwards, with police preventing him and his companions from proceeding outside.
“The police pounced on us in a highly aggressive manner,” Mahto alleged while speaking to ANI.
He claimed that some of the people accompanying him were beaten and pushed to the ground while attempting to protect him. The allegations could not be independently verified from the material provided, and no separate police response was included in the source report.
Mahto continues 14-day hunger strike
Mahto has been on an indefinite hunger strike since August 2, demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by JPSC and JSSC. His health reportedly deteriorated during the protest, following which he was admitted to Sadar Hospital.
Despite being hospitalised, Mahto said he had continued his protest. He questioned why he was being prevented from participating in the Independence Day programme and asked the government to clarify whether his request to hoist the national flag constituted any wrongdoing.
Mahto also appealed to the authorities to provide an answer regarding his allegations. He said that if he had committed an offence, the government should take appropriate action, but if he had done nothing wrong, he wanted justice.
Brother and student also allege police misconduct
Mahto’s brother Dhaneshwar Mahto alleged that officials were preventing the student leader from fulfilling his wish to join the Tiranga Yatra. He told ANI that he wanted to shift his brother to another hospital but claimed that he had been unable to speak with a doctor because of the police presence.
Student protester Manish Kumar Sahu also alleged that police misbehaved with students gathered at the hospital. He said students had been present since the morning and wanted Mahto to briefly attend the stadium programme before returning to the hospital.
Sahu alleged that students were pushed around and claimed that an attendant was also assaulted. He said video footage of the incident was available. These allegations, like those made by Mahto and his brother, are based on their accounts of the incident.
Mahto was admitted after August 10 protest
Mahto was admitted to Sadar Hospital after his health deteriorated during a Vidhan Sabha Gherao march on August 10. According to the source report, police used lathicharge, tear gas and water cannons during the protest.
Mahto, who is also associated with the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), has continued his protest despite being hospitalised. His demands centre on alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by JPSC and JSSC.
Hemant Soren promises transparency in recruitment exams
Meanwhile, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the state government was working to make recruitment examinations more transparent and improve the education system.
“Transparent examination will be ensured,” Soren said while addressing the state-level Independence Day celebration.
Soren said the government had launched “Chhatron Ki Baat – Chhatron Ke Sath” to seek suggestions from students on improving the education system. He also stressed the importance of students’ contribution to building what he described as a good education system.
What happens next?
The dispute over Devendra Nath Mahto’s participation in the Tiranga Yatra comes as his hunger strike over alleged JPSC and JSSC examination irregularities continues. The allegations of police action made by Mahto, his brother and students now place the focus on the official account of what happened at Sadar Hospital on Independence Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Devendra Nath Mahto on hunger strike?
Mahto has been on an indefinite hunger strike since August 2, demanding action over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations.
What did Hemant Soren say about recruitment examinations?
Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the government would ensure transparency in recruitment examinations and had initiated “Chhatron Ki Baat – Chhatron Ke Sath” to seek students’ suggestions on improving the education system.
Source: ANI
