Jharkhand Activist Mahto Hospitalised After 9-Day Fast
- Devendra Mahto hospitalised after 9-day hunger strike
- Protests over JPSC exam irregularities enter 14th day
- Thousands joined Vidhan Sabha Gherao march in Ranchi
- Sonam Wangchuk urged activist to end fast
- Medical team monitors critical condition at RIMS
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto was rushed to a hospital in Ranchi on Monday evening after his health deteriorated critically during a massive protest march.
Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike for nine days, collapsed while leading thousands of demonstrators towards the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha.
Medical officials at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) confirmed that the activist was admitted in a depleted condition, suffering from severe dehydration and the physical toll of prolonged fasting.
The incident occurred around 19:00 local time as the sweltering heat and the exertion of the march proved too much for his weakened body.
Witnesses reported that Mahto stumbled near the legislative assembly route before being caught by fellow protesters who immediately called for an ambulance.
Police officials on the scene managed the crowd to allow the medical vehicle to pass, transporting the leader to the emergency ward.
Doctors stated that his vitals were unstable upon arrival, and he is currently undergoing intensive rehydration therapy.
This hospitalisation marks a severe escalation in the ongoing agitation against the state public service commission.
- Mahto fasted for 9 days before collapsing.
- Admitted to RIMS Ranchi on Monday evening.
- Protests entered their 14th day on Monday.
Thousands Swarm Ranchi Streets in 14th Day of Job Exam Stir
The streets of Ranchi turned into a sea of placards and shouting slogans as the agitation regarding the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examinations entered its fourteenth day.
Sources confirmed that thousands of students and job seekers gathered for the 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' march, attempting to surround the state assembly to demand attention to their grievances.
The atmosphere was tense but largely disciplined, with marchers chanting demands for the cancellation of the contested examination results.
Traffic was diverted in central Ranchi as the procession wound its way through key arterial roads, causing significant disruptions but remaining peaceful.
The sheer scale of the demonstration underscores the depth of anger among the youth in the state, who view the JPSC exams as their primary gateway to stable government employment.
Protesters carried banners accusing the commission of irregularities and demanding a transparent re-evaluation of the examination process.
The march was the climax of nearly two weeks of sustained sit-ins and rallies that have paralysed parts of the state capital.
- Thousands joined the Vidhan Sabha Gherao march.
- Agitation entered 14th day on Monday.
- Traffic diverted in central Ranchi.
JPSC Irregularities Fuel Youth Unrest Across Jharkhand
At the heart of this unrest lies a deep-seated frustration with the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), the body responsible for recruiting civil servants in the state.
Students and activists have alleged widespread irregularities in the recent examination cycle, including errors in question papers and alleged biases in the evaluation process.
For many in Jharkhand, cracking these exams is not just about a career but a lifeline out of economic uncertainty, making any perceived unfairness a trigger for intense mobilisation.
The current wave of protests reflects a broader pattern of discontent regarding job recruitment in India's public sector, where competition is fierce and vacancies are scarce.
Analysts note that the credibility of state recruitment bodies has taken a hit in recent years, leading to frequent litigations and street protests.
The students demand that the state government intervene to dissolve the current examination cycle and order a fresh, transparent process monitored by independent observers.
Without such assurances, they have vowed to continue their agitation, which now threatens to spill over into other parts of the state.
- Protesters allege exam errors and bias.
- JPSC exams are a key economic lifeline.
- Demands for a fresh examination process.
'Don't Do Anything Like Jantar Mantar': Mahto's Plea for Calm
Despite his collapsing health, Devendra Mahto had earlier addressed the massive crowd, appealing for calm and urging them to maintain discipline.
Sources present at the march quoted Mahto as telling the gathered students, 'Don't do anything like Jantar Mantar', a reference to the often chaotic and aggressive scenes witnessed during protests at the famous demonstration site in New Delhi.
This plea highlights Mahto's strategy of keeping the movement focused and non-violent, even as emotions run high among the demonstrators.
His leadership has been characterised by a refusal to retreat from the demands while simultaneously attempting to prevent the situation from descending into rioting.
The reference to Jantar Mantar suggests an awareness of how student movements can sometimes lose public sympathy if they turn destructive.
By framing the protest as a disciplined fight for rights, Mahto has sought to retain the moral high ground against the administration.
His insistence on joining the march, even after nine days without food, was seen by supporters as an act of solidarity, though it ultimately led to his medical emergency.
- Mahto urged protesters to avoid chaos.
- Referenced Jantar Mantar to stress discipline.
- Sought to keep movement non-violent.
Sonam Wangchuk and National Solidarity with Fasting Leader
The plight of Devendra Mahto has attracted national attention, drawing support from prominent figures across the country.
Notably, Sonam Wangchuk, the renowned engineer and innovator known for his advocacy in Ladakh, publicly urged Mahto to break his fast and drink water.
Wangchuk's intervention signals that the protest in Jharkhand is resonating with wider civil society movements in India that are fighting for transparency and accountability.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating health of the young leader, Wangchuk emphasised that the cause was important but the life of a activist was priceless.
This solidarity has energised the local protesters, who feel their struggle is now part of a larger national narrative against systemic corruption.
Meanwhile, political rhetoric has also heated up, with Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently entering the fray.
Pradhan had hit back at a Congress MP, describing the activists as 'street fighters, not AC-room activists', a comment that has been interpreted by many as an acknowledgement of the grit shown by leaders like Mahto.
The convergence of civil society support and political commentary has amplified the pressure on the Jharkhand government to resolve the crisis.
- Sonam Wangchuk urged Mahto to drink water.
- Protest resonates with national civil society.
- Dharmendra Pradhan commented on 'street fighters'.
Medical Teams Battle Dehydration After Nine-Day Fast
Medical experts treating Devendra Mahto indicated that his condition was serious due to the prolonged period of starvation.
A nine-day fast puts the body into a state of ketosis, where it begins to break down muscle and fat for energy, leading to significant weakness and electrolyte imbalances.
Doctors at RIMS are reportedly monitoring his kidney function and cardiac rhythm closely, as these are the primary risks associated with extended fasting combined with physical stress.
The decision to march in the humid weather of Ranchi likely exacerbated his dehydration, leading to the collapse.
Hospital sources confirmed that he is being administered intravenous fluids and essential salts to stabilise his condition.
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