Jharkhand Paper Leak Protest: Devendra Mahato Ends Waterless Fast After Sonam Wangchuk’s Appeal

Jharkhand student activist Devendra Nath Mahato ended his four-day waterless hunger strike on Wednesday after an appeal from activist Sonam Wangchuk during a video call. However, Mahato said his indefinite protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations would continue.

Mahato, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium since Sunday night, agreed to drink water after Wangchuk urged him not to risk his life. The protest centres on alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) and other recruitment bodies.

Sonam Wangchuk urges Mahato to take water

The student movement received a boost after Wangchuk, who recently concluded a 26-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak issue, spoke to Mahato during a nearly 10-minute video call.

Expressing concern over Mahato’s deteriorating health, Wangchuk urged the 33-year-old activist to continue the protest but not at the cost of his life.

“Please take some water; this is tantamount to suicide. You need some time, but it could be two to three weeks as well, and I hope that the government will understand and make the right decision,” Wangchuk said.

Mahato, who said doctors had warned he could require hospitalisation if he continued without water, accepted the appeal and ended his waterless fast.

Protest to continue despite ending waterless fast

After taking water, Mahato clarified that his agitation was far from over.

He said he had accepted Wangchuk’s request because of his health but would continue the indefinite hunger strike until the government addressed the students’ demands. Mahato also appealed to Wangchuk to extend the same support to the Jharkhand movement that he had shown during the protests at Jantar Mantar.

Protesters seek CBI probe into alleged exam irregularities

Mahato launched his indefinite hunger strike on the night of August 2 after weeks of demonstrations failed to elicit a concrete response from the state government.

The protesters have demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. They are also seeking the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination, reforms in the JPSC and JSSC examination systems and an independent inquiry by retired High Court judges from outside Jharkhand.

The student movement began with a day-and-night satyagraha on July 25, followed by an indefinite sit-in at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium from July 29.

Government response and investigation

Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday reportedly said the government was taking the concerns of job aspirants seriously and assured that decisions would be announced at an appropriate time.

Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Police CID has arrested 14 people in connection with the alleged examination irregularities.

The JPSC has also postponed the Combined Civil Services Mains Examination, which was scheduled for July 25 to 27, citing unavoidable circumstances.