3 weeks ago
Jharkhand Students' Hunger Strike for CBI Probe Enters 14th Day
Many students in Ranchi, a city in the Indian state of Jharkhand, believe their government job exams were not fair because question papers were leaked.
Led by a student named Devendra Nath Mahto, they are refusing to eat until the government cancels one of the exams, asks the CBI (an important national police agency) to investigate, and makes the exam process fairer.
This is called a hunger strike.
Five more students joined the strike, so now six people are not eating.
Mahto's blood pressure and blood sugar dropped, so a famous teacher named Sonam Wangchuk asked him to at least drink water, and he agreed.
Another student, Rahul Kranti, became so weak that he was taken to a hospital.
The leader of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, said paper leaks are a problem for the whole country and offered to talk with the students.
Police have already arrested 19 people for the alleged cheating.
The students say they will keep protesting, and they plan to surround the state assembly building on August 10 until the government listens.
Five more students, including two women, joined the indefinite hunger strike led by JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto at Ranchi's Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.
Protesters demand cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, an independent probe (CBI or retired high court judges from outside the state), and sweeping reforms in JPSC and JSSC.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren called paper leaks a 'national problem', briefed Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, and offered talks, while the Congress extended support and the BJP reiterated its demand for a CBI probe.
The CID probe has led to 19 arrests and raids at 18 locations; former JPSC chairman L. Khiangte has been questioned four times since July 28.
Fasting student Rahul Kranti was hospitalised, Sonam Wangchuk urged Mahto to drink water as his blood sugar and blood pressure dropped, and students plan to gherao the Vidhan Sabha on August 10.
- Who
- Students of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch led by JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, with responses from Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, the BJP, the Congress, and activist Sonam Wangchuk.
- What
- An indefinite hunger strike demanding cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, an independent probe (CBI or retired high court judges from outside the state), re-examination within six months, and comprehensive reforms to JPSC and JSSC.
- Where
- Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, with a planned gherao of the state Vidhan Sabha on August 10 and a march to the state assembly during the day.
- When
- The protest began on July 25 and entered its 14th day on Friday, August 7, 2026; Mahto has been fasting since August 2.
- Why
- Students allege paper leaks and irregularities in recruitment examinations and say their repeated appeals to the government went unaddressed.
Protesters and Opposition
Jharkhand Government
Demand for an independent investigation
Protesters and Opposition
Students and the BJP demand a CBI probe or a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state; BJP's Babulal Marandi claims the ongoing CID probe is meant to cover up the issue, and All Jharkhand Students Union MLA Nirmal Mahto even demanded President's Rule.
Jharkhand Government
Chief Minister Hemant Soren says probe agencies are working round the clock and those responsible are being sent to jail; the government has not ordered a CBI inquiry, while Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar stressed that exam-conducting commissions must function with complete transparency.
Format of government dialogue
Protesters and Opposition
Students demand that talks be held in public or telecast live instead of closed-door meetings, and some leaders want the CM to come to the protest site, citing his 'Sarkar Aapke Dwar' slogan.
Jharkhand Government
The government invited a five-member student delegation for discussions at the CM's residence and constituted a Ministerial Committee to consult with protesting students and recommend concrete solutions.
Scope and urgency of the problem
Protesters and Opposition
Students want concrete outcomes, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC exam, a fixed timeline with re-examination within six months, and warn that the Vidhan Sabha gherao will go ahead on August 10 with a massive turnout if demands are unmet.
Jharkhand Government
Soren describes paper leaks as a 'national problem' affecting youth across the country and says the government's objective is not just to investigate but to provide a permanent solution to students' concerns.
Key facts
- Protest began
- July 25
- Hunger strike day (as of Aug 7)
- 14th day
- Hunger strike leader
- Devendra Nath Mahto, fasting since August 2
- Core demands
- Cancel 14th JPSC exam; independent probe (CBI or retired HC judges); reforms in JPSC and JSSC
- Re-examination demand
- Within six months of cancellation
- Hospitalised protester
- Rahul Kranti, admitted to Ranchi Sadar hospital due to deteriorating health
- CID probe status
- 19 arrested; raids at 18 locations in Ranchi, Palamu, Hazaribagh, Bokaro and Dhanbad
- Prohibitory orders
- 750-metre radius around Assembly, Aug 6-12, 6 am-10 pm
Quotes
Chief Minister Hemant Soren
Jharkhand chief minister addressing the exam leak issue
“"Soren acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, describing recruitment "paper leaks" as "not merely a Jharkhand issue but a major national problem affecting the youth across the country".”
livemint.com
“"We thanked CM for his empathetic positive action for constituting a Ministerial Committee to consult with protesting students and recommend concrete solutions."”
telegraphindia.com
Student protester
A student on hunger strike demanding exam cancellation and timely re‑examination
“"Our five friends, including two women, have joined the hunger strike to strengthen the movement and press for our demands."”
livemint.com
thehansindia.com
“"We want a fixed timeline. We are not asking for too much time; the re‑examination should be conducted within six months."”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
J'khand job exam stir enters 14th day; student on hunger strike hospitalised
'Want govt to listen’: Jharkhand students on hunger strike stick to CBI probe demand
Jharkhand Students' Protest: Hunger strike over exam 'anomaly' continues as CM Soren offers talks, BJP steps up attack
Jharkhand Protest Gains Momentum As Five More Students Join Devendra Nath Mahto's Hunger Strike
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