'Pounced on us': Student leader Mahto alleges police assault over Tiranga Yatra participation

Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto on Saturday alleged that police assaulted him and his associates and prevented him from leaving Sadar Hospital in Ranchi to participate in an Independence Day Tiranga Yatra.

Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), had sought permission to attend a flag-hoisting ceremony at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.

‘Police pounced on us’

Mahto said students had made arrangements for the ceremony and that the district administration and hospital management had been informed in writing about his plan to participate.

According to him, officials initially indicated that he would be allowed to attend the event and that a vehicle would be arranged to take him to the stadium. However, he alleged that the situation changed within minutes and police prevented him from leaving.

Mahto claimed police personnel acted aggressively when he and his supporters tried to move out of the hospital. He alleged that his companions, who attempted to protect him, were beaten and thrown to the ground.

Video footage of the confrontation showed security personnel blocking Mahto's path as he attempted to leave the hospital, while his supporters urged officials to allow him to attend the event.

Mahto questioned why he was being prevented from participating in a peaceful flag-hoisting ceremony on Independence Day. He said his agitation was aimed at bringing reforms to the education and recruitment examination system.

On hunger strike

Mahto has been on a hunger strike since August 2 as part of protests by students and job aspirants against alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations. His health deteriorated during the August 10 Vidhan Sabha Gherao protest, following which he was admitted to Sadar Hospital.

The August 10 protest witnessed clashes after thousands of demonstrators marched towards the state legislature. Police used tear gas, water cannons and batons after protesters breached barricades, while authorities said force was used after some demonstrators turned violent.

Mahto's brother, Dhaneshwar Mahto, also alleged that authorities prevented the student leader from fulfilling his wish to join the Tiranga Yatra. He said he wanted to shift his brother to another hospital but was facing difficulties in doing so.

Another student protester alleged that police pushed and assaulted people gathered at the hospital and claimed video footage of the incident was available.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, in his Independence Day address, said the state government was committed to ensuring transparency in recruitment examinations and stressed that the concerns and confidence of Jharkhand's youth were important to his government.