Rnachi: High drama unfolded at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi after student leader Devendra Nath Mahto was allegedly prevented by police personnel from participating in a Tricolour March organized by protesting job aspirants on Independence Day. Mahto, who heads the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha and has been on an indefinite hunger strike for two weeks over alleged irregularities in competitive recruitment examinations, was stopped as he attempted to leave the medical facility to attend the event at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.
Videos circulating on social media showed police officers and hospital security personnel physically restraining and pushing the fasting activist back toward his room as his supporters attempted to escort him out. Sporting a tricolour scarf and bandana, Mahto questioned the restrictions placed on his movement, asking why a citizen was being barred from peacefully participating in a national celebration and unfurling the national flag in his own country.
Following the scuffle, Mahto sat down on the corridor floor outside his ward in protest, stating that he would remain there and refuse further medical treatment until authorities allowed him to join the demonstration. The activist alleged that he suffered minor injuries during the confrontation and maintained that state authorities could not suppress the voice of job seekers through force or administrative curbs.
The standoff at the hospital coincided with the state-level Independence Day address by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who sought to reassure job aspirants that the administration is committed to institutional transparency. Addressing ongoing student grievances, the Chief Minister asserted that the future and hard work of candidates would not be left vulnerable to corruption or paper-leak syndicates, promising systemic reforms across state examination bodies such as the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission.
