Student leader’s health deteriorates during Assembly march as job aspirants protest alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations
Location: Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
By: South Asia Bureau
.jpg)
Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader and student activist Devendra Nath Mahto was hospitalised on Monday after his health deteriorated during a protest march towards the Jharkhand Assembly. Mahto had been on a nine-day hunger strike over alleged irregularities in the state’s recruitment examinations.
Doctors at Ranchi Sadar Hospital described his condition as critical after his blood sugar level dropped drastically. He was admitted to the hospital’s emergency ward for treatment, according to a medical officer quoted by PTI.
Mahto had joined protesting students in a march that began outside the old Assembly building. The demonstration escalated as protesters attempted to cross police barricades while moving towards the Assembly.
Police used water cannons, tear gas and lathi charges to disperse the demonstrators. Several protesters and four policemen were injured during clashes near the Assembly, according to officials.
An aide accompanying Mahto alleged that the activist was injured during the police lathi-charge. The claim has been attributed to the aide and has not been independently established.
The protest, which has entered its 17th day, centres on allegations of irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations. Protesters have been demanding greater transparency and action over the examination process.
The latest developments have intensified pressure on the Jharkhand government as protesters continue to seek action on their demands.
Published by:
The Opinion