Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Jharkhand protest leader's health worsens after 14-day hunger strike
A group of students in India is very upset.
They say some big government tests for jobs had cheating and mistakes.
A student leader named Devendra Nath Mahto stopped eating to show how serious he is.
He has not eaten for 14 days now.
His body is getting weak because food gives our bodies energy and important minerals.
The doctor found his salt level is too low, which can be dangerous.
Mahto is being cared for in a hospital in Ranchi, India.
He wanted to go to a flag parade, but the police stopped him.
The government has agreed to cancel some of the tests and investigate.
But the students still want a bigger investigation by an agency they trust more.
Devendra Nath Mahto, leader of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 14 days over alleged irregularities in recruitment exams.
Doctors at Sadara Hospital in Ranchi detected an electrolyte imbalance in Mahto, with a blood sodium level of 124 millimoles and ketone bodies in his urine indicating starvation.
On Saturday, Mahto attempted to join the Tiranga Yatra organised by students but was stopped by police, and video clips of the tussle were widely shared on social media.
Mahto was admitted to Sadara Hospital on 10 August after being injured during clashes with police at the Vidhansabha Gherao.
Students demand cancellation of the recent JSSC Combined Graduate Level examination and a CBI probe, while the government has cancelled the 14th JPSC exam and agreed to a state CID investigation.
- Who
- Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, along with fellow hunger-striking student leaders such as Umme Habiba and Rahul Kranti, and Dr Amrita of Sadara Hospital.
- What
- An indefinite hunger strike and protests over alleged paper leaks, irregularities, and cheating in recruitment examinations conducted by JPSC and JSSC, during which Mahto's health has worsened with an electrolyte imbalance.
- When
- Mahto has been on hunger strike for 14 days; students have been protesting in Ranchi for 18 days; Mahto was admitted to hospital on 10 August.
- Where
- Ranchi, Jharkhand, India; Mahto is hospitalised at Sadara Hospital.
- Why
- Students allege paper leaks, irregularities, and cheating in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations and demand cancellation of the JSSC CGL exam and an independent central investigation, lacking confidence in a state-level probe.
Students
Jharkhand Government
Investigation agency
Students
Students demand a CBI probe and say they do not have confidence in a state-level investigation, wanting an independent central agency to investigate alleged irregularities.
Jharkhand Government
The government says the allegations will be investigated by the state CID, with further action, including an ED probe, promised if required.
Exam cancellation
Students
Students continue to demand cancellation of the recent JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination.
Jharkhand Government
The government agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC Civil Services examination and two other exams, but has not agreed to cancel the JSSC CGL exam.
- Hunger strike duration
- 14 days
- Protest duration
- 18 days in Ranchi
- Blood sodium level
- 124 millimoles (normal range is 135-145)
- Hospital
- Sadara Hospital, Ranchi
- Date admitted
- 10 August
- Student demands
- Cancellation of the JSSC CGL examination; CBI probe
- Government actions
- Cancelled 14th JPSC Civil Services exam and two other exams; CID investigation and possible ED probe
- Leader's organization
- Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha