Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto was reportedly prevented from leaving the hospital to join the Tiranga Yatra held at Jaipal Singh Munda stadium in Ranchi on the occasion of Independence Day. As the police's attempt to stall him resulted in a scuffle, Mahto alleged that he had suffered injuries to his chest.
The Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader, who has been on a hunger strike since August 2, was stopped by police when he tried to leave the Sadar Hospital.
WATCH: Devendra Nath Mahto stopped from leaving hospital
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A video of the incident showed a security official blocking Mahto's path while he tried to force his way out. Several JLKM workers were seen urging the official to allow Mahto to go join the yatra. While resisting their attempts to take the fasting leader, the official said they should let Mahto rest.
{{/usCountry}}A video of the incident showed a security official blocking Mahto's path while he tried to force his way out. Several JLKM workers were seen urging the official to allow Mahto to go join the yatra. While resisting their attempts to take the fasting leader, the official said they should let Mahto rest.
{{/usCountry}}Students and job aspirants in Jharkhand have been holding a protest at the stadium in Ranchi against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
Mahto has been admitted to Sadar Hospital since the Ranchi Vidhan Sabha Gherao march, which turned chaotic as police lathicharged protesters and used tear gas and water cannons on them.
What kind of freedom is this: Mahto
Earlier in the day, Mahto said there was heavy police deployment outside his hospital room. "After expressing my desire to participate in the flag hoisting and Tricolour March organised at the protest site, Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, a heavy police force has been deployed outside my room in the Sadar Hospital."
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"What kind of freedom is this, after all? Are we not even free to hoist the Tricolour and participate in the Tricolour March in our own country? Despite the difficult circumstances, I want to join this program in a peaceful manner," Mahto wrote on his X handle.
Hemant Soren promises transparency in exams
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who addressed the state on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, assured that his government will ensure transparency in examinations, especially those conducted by state bodies like JPSC and JSSC.
"For me, the youth of the state are very important to me and their faith in us. We have decided to bring changes in the system. Transparent examination will be ensured," Soren said.
Highlighting his government's attempts to address the students' issues, the Jharkhand CM said the state government has initiated ‘Chhatron Ki Baat - Chhatron Ke Sath’ to receive feedback on how to improve the education system. He laid emphasis on the importance of students' contribution to establish a "good education system".