RANCHI: JSSU leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on a nine-day hunger strike over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams, was hospitalised on Monday after his health condition worsened during a students’ march to the state assembly.
Mahto’s aide Pankaj Kumar alleged he was injured in a police lathi-charge near the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. Doctors said his condition turned critical following a drastic dip in his blood sugar level, and he is being treated in the emergency ward of Ranchi Sadar Hospital, according to medical officer Nancy Priya.
The protest, part of an agitation by JPSC-JSSC aspirants demanding reforms and a CBI inquiry into examination irregularities, saw police use water cannons, tear gas and lathi-charge after protesters breached barricades near the assembly, leaving several protesters and four police personnel injured.
Student leader Ravindra Paswan accused the administration of authoritarian conduct, while Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, condemned the use of force against the protesting students, urging the Jharkhand government to resolve their grievances through dialogue.