Ranchi, Jharkhand: Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 11 days over alleged irregularities in JPSC-JSSC examinations, has sought permission from hospital authorities to return to the protest site at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi.
Mahto is currently undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital after sustaining injuries during a police lathi-charge on 10 August. He submitted a formal application to the Civil Surgeon, saying that being separated from fellow protesters was causing him greater distress than his physical ailments.
"My body is undergoing treatment in the hospital bed, but my soul and resolve are at the Satyagraha site where students and youth are engaged in a just struggle for their future. The indefinite hunger strike continues on its 11th day in Sadar Hospital," Mahto said in a message shared on social media.
सत्याग्रह स्थल जयपाल सिंह मुंडा स्टेडियम रांची जाने की अनुमती हेतु सदर अस्पताल के सिविल सर्जन महोदय को लिखा पत्र , मेरा शरीर अस्पताल के बिस्तर में उपचाररत है, लेकिन मेरी आत्मा और संकल्प सत्याग्रह स्थल पर है जहां छात्र- युवा अपनी भविष्य के लिए न्यायिक संघर्ष कर रहें हैं,… pic.twitter.com/Wkei0OWZxs
— Devendra Nath Mahto (@DevendraNathMa9) August 12, 2026
In his handwritten letter to medical authorities, Mahto highlighted his responsibility towards thousands of students protesting against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.
"Today, August 12, 2026, marks the 11th day of my strike at Sadar Hospital, and it will continue until complete justice is achieved. The struggle in which thousands of students and youth of Jharkhand are standing with me for their future, rights, and justice is not just a movement for me, but a responsibility toward their trust and hope," Mahto wrote.
He also recalled being taken to hospital by ambulance on 10 August, the ninth day of his hunger strike, following police action during a protest march towards the Legislative Assembly.
Mahto said students, young people and members of the public were continuing their agitation at the Satyagraha site.
"At this moment, being away from them is a matter of mental agony for me, much more than the physical pain. Therefore, I humbly request you to sympathetically consider my situation and grant me permission to go to the Satyagraha protest site at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium," he wrote.
He assured hospital authorities that he would "strictly follow all necessary instructions and precautions given by the doctors" if allowed to return to the demonstration.
Mahto was taken to hospital late on Monday after police used force to disperse thousands of aspirants who had marched towards the state Assembly.
Jharkhand Police used lathis and water cannons during the 'Vidhan Sabha gherao' march by JPSC and JSSC aspirants in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC-Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examinations.
The protesters are demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, a CBI inquiry into the alleged irregularities and reforms in the recruitment process. They have alleged that the state government has not fully accepted their demands.
