Archive · 5 Aug 2026
Jharkhand Student Leader Drinks Water After Sonam Wangchuk Appeal
Some students in a state in India called Jharkhand think there was cheating in big tests they took to get government jobs.
They believe the tests were not fair, and they say question papers have been leaking for many years.
So they started a peaceful protest called a satyagraha.
One of their leaders, Devendra Nath Mahato, decided to stop eating and drinking until the government listened.
But not drinking water for days can be very dangerous and can make a person sick.
A famous activist named Sonam Wangchuk called him and asked him to please drink some water.
Mahato listened and drank water with salt, but he said he will still not eat any food.
Five more protesters joined him, so now six people are on the hunger strike.
The Chief Minister of Jharkhand said the government is serious about the students' concerns.
Meanwhile, police have arrested 14 people connected to the exam problems, and the students hope the government will take action soon.
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato, on an indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in the JPSC, JSSC CGL and other recruitment exams, drank water on Wednesday after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk appealed to him during a video call.
Mahato, who began his fast on Sunday night, August 2, agreed to take only water and salt and said he will not consume food until the Jharkhand government meets the protesters' demands.
Five more protesters under the JPSC, JSSC Reforms Manch banner joined the fast, raising the number of hunger strikers at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to six.
Protesters, demanding cancellation of the 14th JPSC exam, a CBI or independent probe and reforms in the JPSC and JSSC, have been agitating at the Ranchi stadium since July 25.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the government is treating the allegations with seriousness and will decide within the constitutional framework, while the CID has arrested 14 people and raided 18 locations in the probe.
- Who
- Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and protesters of the JPSC, JSSC Reforms Manch.
- What
- An indefinite hunger strike and protest over alleged irregularities in the JPSC, JSSC CGL and other competitive examinations; Mahato drank water after Wangchuk's appeal but vowed to continue his food fast.
- When
- Wednesday, August 5 (the fourth day of the fast); the hunger strike began on Sunday night, August 2, and the sit-in has been ongoing since July 25.
- Where
- Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.
- Why
- To demand cancellation of the 14th JPSC exam, a CBI or independent judicial probe into alleged malpractice, and reforms in the JPSC and JSSC.
Protesters and opposition
Jharkhand state government
Handling of exam irregularities
Protesters and opposition
Protesters demand cancellation of the 14th JPSC exam, an inquiry by the CBI or an independent panel, and comprehensive reforms; Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi says the demands are justified and accuses the CID of being used to cover up the issue.
Jharkhand state government
Chief Minister Hemant Soren says the government treats the allegations with 'utmost seriousness and sensitivity' and will announce an appropriate decision within the constitutional and legal framework once investigating agencies report.
Probe agency
Protesters and opposition
The opposition BJP wants the probe handed to the CBI, while senior Congress leader Ajoy Kumar wants a judicial probe headed by a sitting high court judge and dismissal of all JPSC officials, even though the Congress is a coalition partner in the Soren government.
Jharkhand state government
The state CID is investigating, having arrested 14 people, raided 18 locations and questioned former JPSC chairman L Khiangte; the CM said the government is waiting for the investigation team's answer and conclusion.
- Key figure
- Devendra Nath Mahato, JLKM leader on indefinite hunger strike
- Appeal
- Sonam Wangchuk urged Mahato to drink water during a video call on Wednesday
- Hunger strike began
- Sunday night, August 2
- Protest venue
- Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, Ranchi
- Hunger strikers
- 6 (Mahato plus five who joined Tuesday night)
- Demands
- Cancel 14th JPSC exam; CBI probe; JPSC/JSSC reforms; release OMR sheets and answer scripts
- Investigation
- CID arrested 14 people and raided 18 locations; JPSC Mains exam postponed
- Government response
- CM Hemant Soren: decision within constitutional framework after probe reports
Sources
Sonam Wangchuk urges Jharkhand exam protester to drink water as hunger strike enters fourth day; five more join fast
Jharkhand student leader on hunger strike takes water after Sonam Wangchuk's appeal, to continue stir
Jharkhand Exam Irregularities Protest: Student Leader Devendra Mahato Ends Hunger Strike
Jharkhand student protest: Sonam Wangchuk urges Devendra Mahato to end waterless hunger strike
Wangchuk Urges Jharkhand Protester to Drink Water Amid Hunger Strike
Jharkhand Student Protest: Activist On Indefinite Fast Drinks Water At Sonam Wangchuk's Request, Says Will Not Consume Food
