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Jharkhand's 'Sonam Wangchuk' Devendra Nath Mahto on indefinite hunger strike
In Jharkhand, a state in India, thousands of young people study very hard to pass big tests so they can get government jobs.
The tests are run by two groups called the JPSC and the JSSC.
The students say something went wrong with the tests — answer sheets were changed, and some questions may have leaked before the exam.
So students went out into the streets to protest, and Ranchi city became the centre of the movement.
A student leader named Devendra Nath Mahto stopped eating food on August 2 to show how serious he and the students are.
People compare him to Sonam Wangchuk, another activist who did the same thing during protests in New Delhi.
The students want the unfair test to be cancelled and a new, fair one to happen.
They also want investigators to look into what happened so that cheaters can be punished.
The police have already arrested 14 people and searched many places connected to the exam.
The leader of the state, Hemant Soren, said the government is listening and will announce decisions soon, and everyone hopes the protests stay peaceful.
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto began an indefinite hunger strike on August 2 at Ranchi's Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, drawing comparisons to activist Sonam Wangchuk.
Thousands of students are protesting alleged paper leaks and OMR sheet tampering in the JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations.
Protesters demand cancellation of the 14th JPSC preliminary examination and a CBI/ED probe or an independent panel of retired High Court judges.
Jharkhand CID has arrested 14 people, questioned former JPSC chairman L Khiangte four times, and raided 18 locations across five districts.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren says the government is serious about the concerns, while CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has extended support to the protesters.
- Who
- Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto and thousands of job aspirants in Jharkhand, supported by Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke; the government side is led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
- What
- An indefinite hunger strike and statewide protests demanding cancellation of the 14th JPSC preliminary examination and a CBI/ED probe into alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment exams.
- Where
- Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India, the epicentre of a statewide campaign.
- When
- The struggle began around July 5, 2026, with day-and-night protests since July 25; Mahto's indefinite fast started on August 2 and entered its fourth day on August 5, 2026.
- Why
- Students allege paper leaks and OMR sheet tampering in recruitment examinations and demand transparency, accountability and reform of the exam system.
Student Protesters
Jharkhand Government
Cancellation of the 14th JPSC exam
Student Protesters
Demand the preliminary examination be cancelled until transparency and fairness are ensured.
Jharkhand Government
Has only postponed the mains examination citing 'unavoidable circumstances' and says decisions will be announced at an appropriate time.
Nature of the investigation
Student Protesters
Want a CBI and ED probe, or an independent panel of retired High Court judges from outside the state.
Jharkhand Government
Points to the ongoing CID investigation, which has questioned officials and arrested 14 people.
Response to the agitation
Student Protesters
Say the hunger strike was the last option because the protests did not move the government.
Jharkhand Government
Chief Minister Hemant Soren says the government is treating the demands with complete seriousness and is confident protesters will be reassured.
Key facts
- Student leader
- Devendra Nath Mahto, Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha member
- Protest venue
- Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, Ranchi
- Key demands
- Cancellation of 14th JPSC prelim exam; CBI/ED probe or independent judges' panel; JPSC and JSSC reforms
- Hunger strike
- Indefinite fast launched Aug 2, 2026; six people on strike after five more joined on Tuesday
- CID arrests
- 14 people arrested in connection with alleged irregularities
- CID raids
- 18 locations across Ranchi, Palamu, Hazaribagh, Bokaro and Dhanbad
- Former JPSC chairman
- L Khiangte resigned; questioned four times since July 28
- Chief Minister
- Hemant Soren says decisions will be announced at the appropriate time
Quotes
Devendra Nath Mahto
Student activist and leader of the Ranchi hunger strike
“The government will have to bow down because this is a fight of the students of the entire Jharkhand. This is the voice of millions of young people who search for their dreams in books. Students do not belong to any political party. No matter which party is in power, leaders of all parties should support them.”
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“My entire body is in pain. My legs feel very heavy. I am feeling dizzy. I am also having difficulty in my chest and while breathing. I am extremely weak and finding it difficult to speak. My body has become very weak.”
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Sources
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