Fasting student activist Devendra Nath Mahto confronted police at a Ranchi hospital on Saturday after he was stopped from leaving the facility to participate in a Tiranga Yatra on Independence Day. Mahto later alleged that he sustained a chest injury during the confrontation.
Mahto has been on hunger strike since August 2, protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The wider students’ agitation has entered its 23rd day.
The activist was admitted to Sadar Hospital on August 10 after his health reportedly deteriorated following his participation in a march by protesting students towards the Jharkhand Assembly. Despite being hospitalised, he has continued his hunger strike.
Mahto further demanded that authorities provide a written order if doctors had advised him not to leave the hospital. He warned that he would file a police complaint against those who prevented him from leaving if no such written direction existed.
Mahto questioned why he was being prevented from attending the Independence Day event. He argued that he should not be stopped from participating in the national flag-hoisting programme and questioned the legal basis for restricting his movement.