Daijiworld Media Network - Ranchi
Ranchi, Aug 16: The student agitation in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations entered its 23rd day on Sunday, with student leader Devendra Nath Mahto accusing police of preventing him from participating in an Independence Day Tiranga Yatra and of manhandling him and his associates.
Mahto, who has been leading the agitation demanding reforms and greater transparency in the state's recruitment examination system, alleged that police stopped him when he attempted to leave Ranchi's Sadar Hospital to join a Tiranga Yatra organised by protesting students.
According to Mahto, he was undergoing treatment at the hospital when police personnel prevented him from leaving the premises. He alleged that he was pushed and manhandled, while some of his companions were also beaten.
In a post on X, Mahto said he was prevented from attending the Independence Day flag-hoisting programme and the Tiranga Yatra despite being under medical treatment.
He questioned whether the freedom for which India's freedom fighters had sacrificed their lives included the right of citizens to peacefully raise their voices, participate in public programmes and demand their rights.
Mahto also questioned whether people had been deprived of the right to speak up for their demands and participate in a peaceful Tricolour March, describing the incident as extremely painful.
The incident took place against the backdrop of the ongoing agitation over alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
Thousands of students and job aspirants have joined the protest, which is centred around Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi. The protesters are demanding greater transparency in recruitment examinations, cancellation of tests they allege were compromised and an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities.
Some protesters have also demanded a CBI probe or an investigation by a panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand.
The agitation intensified earlier this month when protesting students marched towards the Jharkhand Assembly. Police used lathicharge, tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators. Several police personnel were also reportedly injured during the confrontation.
Following the confrontation, Mahto, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike, was admitted to Sadar Hospital. He began his fast on August 2 and was on the 14th day of his hunger strike when he attempted to join the Independence Day march.
Despite the confrontation, protesting students conducted a Tiranga Yatra from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk on Independence Day. The participants carried the national flag and raised slogans including "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram".
Visuals from Sadar Hospital showed Mahto carrying the Tricolour and wearing Tricolour-themed attire as police personnel prevented him from leaving the hospital premises.
The incident has triggered a political debate over the action taken against the student leader. While Mahto's supporters questioned why he was stopped from joining what they described as a peaceful national celebration, others pointed to his medical condition and argued that his health should take priority.
Jharkhand Congress leader Kumar Raja defended the decision to prevent Mahto from leaving the hospital, saying his health should take precedence over political considerations.
The wider student agitation has continued to attract political attention, with protesters demanding accountability and comprehensive reforms in the state's recruitment system.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has said the government is working to make recruitment examinations more transparent. The state government has also launched the 'Chhatron Ki Baat - Chhatron Ke Sath' initiative to collect suggestions and concerns from students.
Mahto, however, has linked the Independence Day incident to the larger student movement, arguing that the right to peaceful protest forms part of the democratic ideals associated with India's freedom struggle.
His allegations that he was pushed and that his companions were beaten could not be independently verified. The police version of the specific incident at Sadar Hospital was not immediately available.