JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto hospitalised in critical condition following Assembly march clashes

New Delhi: A recent viral clip shared on social media that Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto marching alongside hundreds of protesting students towards the Jharkhand Assembly. Mahto, who was already on a nine-day hunger strike over alleged irregularities in state recruitment exams, took part in the demonstration to support job aspirants demanding transparency and reforms.

The peaceful rally quickly turned tense around 10:30 am after demonstrators tried to breach multiple police barricades near Jagannathpur Temple. Law enforcement responded with water cannons, tear gas, and lathi charges when protesters pushed through barricades to reach Gate No. 1 of the Assembly complex.

Several job aspirants, including female students, were injured in the resulting chaos. Protester Piyush Kumar Soni accused police of using excessive force, claiming officers struck demonstrators on their heads, face, and arms. Meanwhile, Ranchi City SP Paras Rana stated that four police personnel suffered injuries from stone-pelting, adding that around 15 per cent of the crowd became unruly.

Mahto in critical condition after blood sugar drops drastically

Following the intense agitation, Mahto’s physical condition severely deteriorated. He was rushed to Ranchi Sadar Hospital, where medical officer Nancy Priya confirmed to news agency PTI that he was admitted to the emergency ward in critical condition after his blood sugar levels dropped drastically.

Mahto’s aide, Pankaj Kumar, alleged that the JLKM leader suffered additional injuries during the police lathi-charge near the Assembly premises. Before being taken to hospital, Mahto condemned the state’s response, stating that “a government cannot be run with batons, bullets, and guns” and vowed that his hunger strike would continue. JLKM MLA Jairam Mahto also condemned the crackdown, questioning why force was used against unarmed students.

Aspirants demand CBI probe and complete exam cancellation

The ongoing protest centres on deep-seated dissatisfaction with the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Protesters are asking for a complete scrapping of 13 recruitment exams and an independent inquiry led by either the CBI or a retired High Court panel.

While the state government has held multiple rounds of discussions and offered to cancel three exams, student bodies remain adamant that all their demands must be satisfied before ending the agitation.