Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Jharkhand Student Leader Ends Hunger Strike After Exams Cancelled
A student leader in Jharkhand named Devendra Nath Mahto stopped eating for 16 days to protest problems with government job exams, like leaked question papers.
Many students had been protesting for weeks about this.
The government, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, decided to cancel all those exams and job recruitments.
The government also said it would investigate exams going back to 2014.
After that, Mahto ended his hunger strike.
He thanked the government and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, and said students will help remove corruption from the exam system.
Two other protesters also stopped their hunger strikes.
But some students are still protesting because they want a bigger investigation by the CBI.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk called Mahto to congratulate him on the decision.
The government also promised to create a committee to make future exams fairer.
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto ended his 16-day hunger strike after the Jharkhand government cancelled the JSSC-CGL exam and all exams conducted by TDPL.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the cancellation of all government job exams and recruitment, including JPSC exams, and ordered a CID probe into exams held since 2014.
Fellow protesters Umme Habiba and Rahul Kranti also ended their hunger strikes, while students at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium continue protesting for a CBI probe.
The government will set up an examination reforms committee and hold a special Assembly session; the BJP and opposition leader Babulal Marandi backed the CBI probe demand.
Mahto said the 'struggle for reform' will continue, calling for monitored and audited exams to prevent paper leaks and irregularities.
- Who
- Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto (also spelled Mahato), fellow protesters Umme Habiba and Rahul Kranti, and the Jharkhand government led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
- What
- Mahto ended his hunger strike after the government cancelled all exams and recruitment for government jobs and ordered a CID probe into exams held since 2014.
- When
- The hunger strike began on July 2 and ended after 16 days, following the government's cancellation announcement made late on Monday (August 17, 2026); some reports say the fast was broken on Tuesday evening.
- Where
- Jharkhand, India; Mahto was admitted to Ranchi's Sadar Hospital.
- Why
- Weeks of student protests over examination irregularities and paper leaks in government job exams.
Student Protesters
Jharkhand Government
Investigation agency
Student Protesters
Students insist on a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and have refused to call off their protests until that demand is met.
Jharkhand Government
The government ordered the CID to investigate all exams held in Jharkhand since 2014 and cancelled all exams and recruitment.
Response to government action
Student Protesters
Mahto ended his hunger strike and pledged cooperation, but other students continue protesting until all demands are met, including withdrawal of legal action against protesters.
Jharkhand Government
The government says it accepted the protesters' demands and that the agitation had formally concluded, while working to reach the 'true kingpins' behind examination irregularities.
Additional demands
Student Protesters
Umme Habiba demands withdrawal of legal action against students, protection of peaceful protest rights, reinstatement of suspended teacher Santosh Mastana, and closure of CID Case No. 025.
Jharkhand Government
Minister Irfan Ansari said the government accepted the protesters' demands and helped them break their fast, with the agitation formally concluded.
- Student leader
- Devendra Nath Mahto (also spelled Mahato)
- Chief Minister
- Hemant Soren
- Government action
- All exams and recruitment for government jobs cancelled
- Cancelled exams
- JSSC-CGL, JPSC (11th-13th), CDPO and FSO exams conducted by TDPL
- Investigation
- CID to probe all exams held in Jharkhand since 2014 (one report said CBI)
- Hunger strike duration
- 16 days (began July 2)
- Other protesters ending strike
- Umme Habiba, Rahul Kranti
- Student demand
- Probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Sources
Jharkhand Student Leader Devendra Nath Mahto Ends Hunger Strike
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto ends hunger strike after JSSC-CGL exam cancelled
Student leader Mahato breaks hunger strike after Jharkhand government agrees to cancel JSSC-CGL exam
Jharkhand students welcome JSSC-CGL exam cancellation, but protest to continue over CBI probe; Mahto ends hunger strike
Jharkhand protests: Three including Devendra Mahto call off hunger strike; say 'struggle for reform' will continue
